Mr. Lam's Yau Ma Tei Estate Pre-Demolition Salvage: Full Record of Seven Qing Dynasty Dragon Dollars Identification and Quotation

Public housing clearance has been a major event in Hong Kong in recent years. Once the moving deadline arrives, decades of possessions have to be dealt with in a matter of weeks. Mr. Lam was one of those who sought us out under this pressure.

Mr. Lam, 52, is a resident of an old estate in Yau Ma Tei. The estate was included in a redevelopment plan, and he was given six months to move out. While clearing his mother's belongings, he found seven silver coins wrapped in red cloth in a hidden compartment of a travel bag on top of a wardrobe. His mother had never mentioned them during her lifetime.

"Moving house is already busy enough, but I didn't dare to just throw away these coins. Can you help me quickly appraise them?" Mr. Lam's tone was urgent but sincere.

Seven Coins, Different Provinces

All seven coins were provincial silver dollars (dragon coins) from the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty, but they were minted in different provinces:

  1. Guangdong Province Minted Guangxu Yuanbao ×2: Seven mace and two candareens, condition VF25-VF30. Guangdong was the first province to mint dragon coins (1889), and they are abundant in circulation with stable market prices.
  2. Hubei Province Minted Guangxu Yuanbao ×2: Condition VF20. The dragon pattern of the Hubei version is significantly different from Guangdong's—the dragon's body is thicker, and the cloud pattern is more realistic.
  3. Beiyang Minted Guangxu Yuanbao (Year 29) ×1: Condition XF40. Beiyang Year 29 is a more common year, but this coin has a higher condition, offering room for a premium.
  4. Jiangnan Province Minted Guangxu Yuanbao (Jiachen) ×1: Condition VF30. A characteristic of Jiangnan Province minted coins is the annual change of the sexagenary cycle, and "Jiachen" refers to the 1904 edition.
  5. Sichuan Province Minted Guangxu Yuanbao ×1: Condition F15. The dragon pattern of the Sichuan version is the most unique—the dragon's body is coiled at a large angle, and the scales are rugged.

Quote per Coin

  • Guangdong ×2: HK$3,800 + HK$4,500 = HK$8,300
  • Hubei ×2: HK$3,200 × 2 = HK$6,400
  • Beiyang Year 29 (XF40): HK$9,500
  • Jiangnan Jiachen (VF30): HK$6,800
  • Sichuan (F15): HK$4,200
  • Total: HK$35,200

Mr. Lam breathed a sigh of relief after confirming the transaction: "Now I have money for moving expenses. My mother kept these things for so many years, and it turns out she helped me one last time."

Found old silver coins before moving or clearance? WhatsApp 98342057, Gu Jin Jian Bao can arrange an on-site appraisal according to your schedule.

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Common FAQs

How to tell if a Dragon Silver Dollar is real or fake?

Three key points: Weight 26.6–26.8g (fakes often deviate), a crisp and prolonged sound (fakes sound dull), and slightly raised dragon scales on the edges (fakes are flat). We recommend an in-store inspection with a magnifying glass.

Is there a significant price difference between central mints and provincial mints?

Yes. Coins from central mints (Hubu / Da Qing Silver Coin) are generally more expensive than those from provincial mints. For example, an EF grade 1911 Da Qing Xuan Tong three-year coin is about HK$15,000+, while a contemporary EF grade Guangxu Yuanbao from a provincial mint is about HK$3,000–6,000.

Will severe wear on the coin's reeding significantly reduce its value?

It depends on the extent. Minor wear is a normal sign of circulation for a century and does not detract from its value; severe wear can degrade the condition from VF to F or G, potentially halving its price or more.

Do you charge for home visits?

Home visits to Kowloon and Hong Kong Island are free. For the New Territories, a travel fee of HK$200 may apply depending on the area (this will be communicated in advance). The entire on-site appraisal and settlement for a batch of coins takes approximately 60 minutes.

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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