The history of Chinese currency spans more than 3000 years. Currency of some type has been used in China since the Neolithic age which can be traced back to between 3000 and 4500 years ago. Cowry shells are believed to have been the earliest form of currency used in Central China, and were used during the Neolithic period.

Around 210 BC, the first emperor of China Qin Shi Huang (260–210 BC) abolished all other forms of local currency and introduced a uniform copper coin. Paper money was invented in China in the 7th century, but the base unit of currency remained the copper coin. Copper coins were used as the chief denomination of currency in China until the introduction of the yuan.

Currently, the renminbi is the official currency of the People's Republic of China 

The People's Bank of China issued Chinese Yuan coins in 6 different denominations, with National Emblem on the obverse. They are part of the Chinese Yuan Renminbi coins series. The People's Bank of China started issuing these 1 Chinese Yuan coins in 1991. They were withdrawn from circulation in 1999.

The 1991-1999 version of the 1 Chinese Yuan coin features a flower and the National Emblem of China, containing five stars and the Palace Museum on Tiananmen Square in Beijing. 

OBVERSE: China's emblem: Tian'anmen, "Gate of Heavenly Peace", the gate to the forbidden city, 5 stars above it. and the country name below along with the date at the bottom

Lettering: ZHONGHUA RENMIN GONGHEGUO 中华人民共和国 1997

Translation: People's Republic of China People's Republic of China 1997

REVERSE: Peony blossom. Value in Chinese and Pinyin

Lettering: 1元 YI YUAN

Translation: 1 Yuan 1 Yuan

EDGE: Smooth

Mint: Shanghai and Shenyang facilities of the China Banknote Printing and Minting Corporation

Mintage in 1997 Unknown

Country            China 

Period                People's Republic (since 1949)

Type                  Standard circulation coin

Years                 1991-1999

Value                    1 Yuan

Currency             Second Rénmínbì (since 1955)

Composition           Nickel plated steel

Weight                     6.1 g

Diameter            25 mm

Thickness         2 mm

Shape                 Round

Orientation          Medal alignment ↑↑

References            KM# 337, Y# 330