Chinese Qing Dynasty Guangxu Yuanbao Coin Appraisal
Category: Coin
Description
The item is a circular, silvery-grey metal coin, presenting a somewhat matte finish with areas of increased reflectivity, suggesting it is made of a silver alloy or a metal with a similar appearance. It appears to be a Chinese coin, likely from the Qing Dynasty, specifically identified by the prominent Chinese characters '光緒元寶' (Guang Xu Yuan Bao) centrally located on the visible side. This translates to 'Guangxu (Emperor) Original Treasure' or 'Guangxu (Period) Coin', indicating it dates from the reign of Emperor Guangxu (1875-1908). Surrounding the central characters, there are additional smaller Chinese characters in a circular arrangement, which likely denote the issuing province, denomination, and potentially the purity or weight of the coin. The rim shows a distinct raised edge, containing a series of beaded or dotted patterns, typical of coinage from this era. The surface exhibits noticeable wear consistent with circulation, including some scuffs and faint scratches that slightly obscure some of the finer details of the characters and the beaded rim. There is also a slight unevenness or possibly a minor rim bump visible on the left side, suggesting some impact damage. The overall condition suggests an uncleaned, circulated state, with an honest patina that adds to its historical character. The craftsmanship appears to be machine-minted, indicating industrial production, and the character outlines are relatively crisp despite the wear, speaking to good die quality. The specific denomination and province cannot be definitively determined from this single image, but it strongly resembles a machine-struck silver dollar or yuan-equivalent coin.
Appraisal Report
Upon examining the provided image of this Chinese Qing Dynasty Guangxu Yuanbao coin, I assess its condition as circulated, exhibiting moderate wear consistent with its age and use. The 'Guangxu Yuanbao' inscription is clearly legible, and while surface wear, scuffs, and some faint scratches are evident, the finer details of the characters and the beaded rim are still discernible. A minor rim bump on the left side suggests some impact damage. The matte finish with areas of reflectivity, along with the overall appearance, suggests it's likely a silver alloy, though confirmation would require physical inspection. Authenticity, based solely on this image, appears strong. The craftsmanship indicates machine-striking, typical of official provincial issues of the period. However, definitive authentication (including metal purity and absence of modern counterfeiting) would require in-person examination, specific gravity testing, and analysis of minting characteristics under magnification. Provenance documentation, if available, would further strengthen its authenticity. The market for genuine Guangxu Yuanbao coins is consistently robust, driven by strong collector demand in China and internationally. Rarity is highly dependent on the issuing province and specific denomination, which cannot be determined from this single image. While common provincial issues in this condition might command modest prices, rarer provinces or denominations could significantly increase value. Factors impacting value include the precise province, denomination, mintmark, and any varieties. Without these specifics, and based purely on typical circulated examples of common provincial issues, the value is an estimate. Limitations: Without physical inspection, I cannot confirm the exact metal composition, weight, or precise provincial mint, which are all crucial for accurate pricing. Advanced counterfeits can be visually convincing, making in-person examination and potentially scientific testing (like XRF analysis) essential for absolute certainty.
Appraisal Value
$150-300