Yuan Shih Kai Silver Dollar Appraisal

Chinese Junk Dollar Coin

This item is a circular silver-colored coin featuring a prominent depiction of a Chinese junk ship on one side. The ship is shown with three sails, navigating what appears to be rough or wavy waters, indicated by the detailed lines suggesting water movement. The artistic rendering of the ship and waves is quite intricate, indicative of good craftsmanship. Along the rim of the coin, there is a beaded border, adding a decorative and protective element. Chinese characters are visible on the surface, positioned to the left and right of the ship; specifically, the character '元' (yuan) is clearly visible on the left. The surface of the coin shows some signs of handling and age, including minor surface wear and a somewhat muted luster, suggesting a light patina rather than significant damage. There are no obvious deep scratches, dents, or repairs visible in the provided image. The overall condition appears to be good to very good given its likely age. Without viewing the reverse side, precise manufacturing marks are not discernible, but the style strongly suggests it is an early 20th-century Chinese 'junk dollar' coin, likely from the Republic of China era (1912-1949). The quality of the strike seems robust, with details of the ship and water clearly defined, suggesting a well-maintained die was used during its production.