Taiwan Democratic Republic's
Official Note

Stephen Tai
Mar.09, 1998

Tainan Official Note (the 2^nd issuance)
One Silver Coin Payable on Bearer's Demand
Issued by General Official Monetary Bureau
Issued at the 15^th day, 7^th month, 21^st year of Kuang Hsu (1895)
Size: 248(L) x 133(W)

During Sino-Japanese War of 1894 China was thoroughly defeated by Japan. Consequently, in accordance with the peace treaty of the two countries, Taiwan was ceded to Japan permanently.
When people and officials of Taiwan heard the news, they were disappointed and refused to accept such fact. They quickly decided to safeguard their lands and establish their own nation with or without Ching's government's support, with respect to avoid from being governed by Japan. The new nation was set up at the 22nd day, 5th month, of 1895, named as Taiwan Democratic Republic. It was the first democratic country in Asia.
During this independence campaign the Taiwanese people determined to fight with Japan if necessary. With a view to collect enough rations, the new government started to issue stamps and paper money, for repaying expenditures. The paper money had two issuance, the 1^st issuance was in the 6^th month of 1895, and the 2^nd issuance was in the following month, they in 4 denominations: 10, 5, 1 silver dollar and 500 cashes.
Hundreds of battles were bursting out after Japanese troops landed Taiwan, and forced Japan to pay a great price even greater than they suffered in the war with Ching's military during 1894. Even though the major confrontations in this island still were putting out 3 months latter, this new nation only lasted for about 100 days. Most of the paper money issued by this nation was destroyed after Japanese's ruling, and become very rare and precious in nowadays.

Chinese Coinage Web Site

Taiwan Democratic Republic's Official Note

Taiwan Democratic Republic's
Official Note