Chinese Silver Coin with Bust of Figure Appraisal
Category: Coin
Description
This item is a circular silver-colored coin featuring the bust of a male figure. The figure appears to be an older man with a prominent forehead, defined cheekbones, and what seems to be a slight mustache and goatee. The expression is rather stern. The man's head is centered on the coin, facing directly forward. Above the figure's head, there are Chinese characters, which appear to be part of the inscription or legend of the coin. The characters are arranged in a semicircular fashion above the head, following the curvature of the coin's edge. The coin exhibits a metallic sheen, characteristic of silver or a silver-plated alloy. There are visible signs of wear and handling, including minor scratches and possibly some toning or tarnishing, which gives it a slightly muted luster in certain areas. The surface appears to be somewhat uneven, suggesting age and circulation. The craftsmanship seems detailed, especially in the rendering of the facial features. The specific details of the character's attire are not perfectly clear but appear to be a simple, collared garment. The overall condition suggests a circulated coin, but its details are still largely discernible. It likely dates from the early to mid-20th century, common for coins featuring political figures of that era.
Appraisal Report
Upon my visual examination of the provided image of this Chinese silver coin, I can discern several key characteristics affecting its appraisal. The coin features a bust of what appears to be an older male figure, likely a political leader, with Chinese characters above. This iconography is highly indicative of coins issued in China during the early to mid-20th century, particularly during the Republic era (e.g., coins featuring Yuan Shikai or Sun Yat-sen). The metallic sheen suggests silver or a high-silver content alloy, which is common for such coinage. In terms of condition, the coin exhibits clear signs of circulation, including minor scratches, toning, and potentially some unevenness in the surface. Despite this wear, the facial features are remarkably detailed and largely discernible, which is a positive factor. This places it in a circulated but still collectible grade, likely Fine (F) to Very Fine (VF) on the Sheldon scale. Authenticity, based solely on an image, is always a significant limitation. While the general appearance aligns with known Chinese silver coinage of the period, fakes and forgeries are prevalent for these popular issues. Market conditions for authentic Chinese silver coins, especially those featuring historical figures, remain strong, driven by both domestic Chinese collectors and international numismatists. Demand is generally high for well-preserved examples. Rarity varies significantly by specific year, mint mark, and denomination, which I cannot ascertain from this image alone. Factors significantly impacting value include authenticity, precise identification of the figure and year (which influences mintage figures), and a higher state of preservation. Without knowing the specific figure and date, it is difficult to accurately benchmark comparables. Typically, common circulated examples of such coins, if authentic, can range from tens to hundreds of dollars. Rarer dates or higher grades command significantly more. Limitations: My most significant limitation is the inability to verify authenticity without physical inspection. I cannot assess edge reeding, specific gravity, metallic composition, or strike details critical for authentication. To confirm authenticity, I would require an in-person examination to check for tooling, specific weight, diameter, thickness, and edge characteristics. Furthermore, provenance documentation would add significant value and credibility. Finally, advanced scientific testing, such as XRF analysis for metallic composition, could definitively confirm authenticity.
Appraisal Value
$75-250