Mong Kok cafe owner Mr. Li's safe cleared out: The authentication process of two Xuantong three-year curved-whisker dragon Qing Dynasty silver coins

People in the F&B industry are particularly sensitive to cash flow. Mr. Li, who came to us last month, was a prime example – it wasn't a "found a treasure while cleaning" scenario, but a real need for working capital.

Mr. Li, fifty-five years old, has been running a cha chaan teng in Sai Yeung Choi Street, Mong Kok, for thirty years. This year, he switched food suppliers, and the new supplier demanded a deposit and full payment upfront, which severely tightened his cash flow. He remembered two old silver coins left by his grandfather at the bottom of his safe at home, which he had never paid much attention to.

"My grandfather used to take them out and look at them all the time when he was alive, saying they were 'from the Great Qing Dynasty'. I came from a kitchen background, so I had no idea what they were," Mr. Li said, walking in with the two silver coins wrapped in kitchen paper – his movements were rough but surprisingly careful.

Appraisal Process

Both silver coins had "大清銀幣" (Da Qing Yin Bi) and the year "宣統三年" (Xuantong Three Years) minted on the obverse, and a coiled dragon pattern on the reverse. Each item was inspected:

Variety Confirmation: The dragon's whiskers extended outwards in a curved shape, its head was slightly tilted to the right, and its tail curved to the left – typical characteristics of the "Curved Whisker Dragon" circulation variety. There are 5 varieties of the Xuantong Three Years Da Qing Silver Coin, and the Curved Whisker Dragon is the officially issued circulation variety, accounting for over 95% of existing specimens.

Condition Assessment:

  • First coin: Clear dragon scales, sharp strokes for the characters "大清銀幣", and even reeding. Visually estimated at XF45, with a natural dark gray toning. Weight 26.85 grams.
  • Second coin: Moderate circulation wear, some dragon details are blurred but the overall outline is intact. VF30, with lighter toning. Weight 26.72 grams.

Authenticity Judgment: Weight, diameter (39mm), and reeding depth all met standards. A clear, sustained ringing sound when tapped – passed.

Quotation

  • Curved Whisker Dragon XF45: HK$6,500
  • Curved Whisker Dragon VF30: HK$3,800
  • Total: HK$10,300

Mr. Li heard the quote and said it was "enough for half the deposit," and the deal was closed on the spot. As he left, he said, "Next time, I'll make some good soup for you all."

Old silver coins in your safe or drawer? WhatsApp a photo to 98342057 for a free instant appraisal from Gu Jin Jian Bao.

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Common FAQs

How much is a Da Qing Silver Coin (Xuantong Three Years) worth?

The Xuantong Three Years Da Qing Silver Coin One Yuan “Coiled Whisker Dragon” is the standard circulation version, with a recycling price in Hong Kong of approximately HK$3,000–8,000. The “Long Whisker Dragon” is a rare mainstream version, approximately HK$15,000–50,000; the “Short Whisker Dragon” is even rarer, approximately HK$30,000–100,000. The “Reversed Dragon” and “Big-tailed Dragon” are pattern coins, each auction breaking over one million Hong Kong dollars, with the highest record transaction reaching nearly 1.6 million. The key to its value lies in the dragon pattern variety + condition grading.

How to distinguish the five dragon varieties of Xuantong Three Years Da Qing Silver Coin?

Look at the details of the dragon's form on the reverse: The “Coiled Whisker Dragon” has curled dragon whiskers and is a circulation version; the “Long Whisker Dragon” has significantly extended whiskers reaching to its chest; the “Short Whisker Dragon” has short and thick whiskers; the “Reversed Dragon” has a reverse S-shaped body (counter-clockwise); the “Big-tailed Dragon” has an exceptionally thick tail that takes up more than half of its body. The rarer the variety, the more valuable it is. It is recommended to take high-definition photos of the dragon pattern on the reverse side and send them to WhatsApp 98342057 for an expert to identify the variety.

How to authenticate Da Qing Silver Coins?

Three steps to verify: First, weigh it. Genuine coins are about 26.7g and contain 90% silver. Counterfeits (lead core, white copper plated silver) have an incorrect density. Second, listen to the sound. Genuine coins produce a long hum when tapped, while counterfeits produce a short sound. Third, observe the details of the dragon pattern. Genuine coins have clear dragon scales and expressive dragon eyes, while cast counterfeits have blurry scales and bloated lines. Additionally, compare the angle of the reeding (genuine coins have evenly distributed reeding at a 90-degree angle).

Antique gold appraisal and treasure buying with cash on-site service:

Recycling process

  • 1) Clients should first provide basic information about their collections via WhatsApp (852) 98342057. You can also contact us directly via this link.

  • 2) We will provide a preliminary quote after receiving the image information.

  • 3) Both parties agree on a time and place (on-site inspection is available) to inspect the collection. We will provide a precise quote based on the actual condition of the collection.

  • 4) Confirm the sale and make payment in various forms such as bank transfer or cash.
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