Chinese Republican Coin (Possibly 20 Cents or similar with Political Figure Portrait) Appraisal
Category: Coin
Description
The item is a round, metallic coin, appearing to be made of a silver-colored alloy, possibly silver or a silver-plated base metal, due to its relatively bright, non-corroded appearance. The coin's obverse, which is the only side clearly visible, features a raised portrait of a male figure, likely an important historical or political leader, facing slightly to the left. The figure has distinct facial features and what appears to be a military-style uniform or traditional attire. Surrounding the portrait is a circular inscription in what appears to be traditional Chinese characters, running along the rim from the upper left to the upper right. Below the inscription and above the bust, there is a visible 'XX' numeral, likely indicating the denomination, possibly '20 Cents' or a similar value. The outer edge of the coin displays a decorative, patterned border, possibly a reeded or milled edge. The coin exhibits some degree of wear consistent with circulation, particularly on the highest points of the portrait and along the rim, which shows slight dullness and some faint scratches. There are no immediate signs of severe damage such as bends or deep gouges, but the surface lacks original mint luster, suggesting a circulated condition. The craftsmanship appears to be of standard coinage quality, with clear, sharp details in the engraving, though softened by age and handling. This coin likely dates from the early to mid-20th century, given the style of portraiture and common numismatic issues from that period in East Asia.
Appraisal Report
After a careful visual examination of the provided image of what appears to be a Chinese Republican Coin, I can offer the following preliminary appraisal. The coin presents as a circulated example, exhibiting wear consistent with handling over time. The portrait details are softened, and the original mint luster is absent. Despite this, there are no immediate signs of severe damage or egregious cleaning, which would significantly detract from its value. The craftsmanship appears to be of reasonable quality for its purported era. From images alone, authenticating the coin with absolute certainty is challenging. While the style aligns with known Chinese Republican coinage featuring political figures like Sun Yat-sen or Yuan Shikai, precise identification of the specific series and mint mark is crucial. The 'XX' numeral for denomination suggests a silver 20 Cents or 50 Cents coin, which were commonly minted. Market conditions for Chinese Republican coinage are generally robust, with strong demand from collectors of world coins and specifically Chinese numismatics. Rarity is highly dependent on the exact type, year, mint, and any known varieties. Without clearer images of both sides, and ideally, an in-hand examination to assess the exact details, weight, and metal composition, it's impossible to confirm specific rarity. Comparable examples in similar circulated condition typically fetch anywhere from tens to hundreds of dollars, depending heavily on their exact attribution. For full authentication, I would require an in-person examination to verify the metal content (e.g., specific gravity testing), analyze strike details under magnification, confirm the precise identity of the effigy and inscriptions, and check for known counterfeit indicators. Provenance documentation, if available, would also be invaluable. Pending a full, in-person authentication and precise identification, this coin holds significant potential numismatic interest.
Appraisal Value
$40-150