How to differentiate between Sun Xiaotou"upper star"vs."lower star"? The actual impact of the version on | Gu Jin Jian Bao
The classification of the "Sun Yat-sen Founding of the Republic Commemorative Coin" (known in the trade as "Little Sun") primarily depends on the arrangement of the six-pointed stars on the reverse side: "Top Six Stars", "Bottom Five Stars", and "Top Five Stars". The market prices for these three versions vary significantly, but many owners don't even know which version they possess.
How to Distinguish the Three Versions?
Top Six Stars Version (Most Common)
Six six-pointed stars are arranged in an arc at the top of the reverse side. This is the standard circulating version, with the largest mintage. Over 90% of "Little Sun" coins in the market are this version. VF condition buyback price: HK$2,000-3,500.
Bottom Five Stars Version (Moderately Scarce)
Five six-pointed stars are arranged in an arc at the bottom of the reverse side, with no stars at the top. The mintage is smaller than the Top Six Stars version, but it is not particularly rare. VF condition buyback price: HK$3,500-6,000.
Top Five Stars Version (Most Scarce)
Five six-pointed stars are arranged in an arc at the top of the reverse side, with no stars at the bottom. This version has the smallest mintage and the highest market price. VF condition buyback price: HK$5,000-12,000.
Key to Identification: Distinguish the Three Versions in 30 Seconds
Flip the silver coin to the reverse side and follow these steps:
- Count the number of stars: 5 or 6?
- If 6 stars → Top Six Stars Version (most common)
- If 5 stars → Check the position of the stars: top or bottom?
- 5 stars at the top → Top Five Stars Version (most scarce, congratulations!)
- 5 stars at the bottom → Bottom Five Stars Version (moderately scarce)
2026 Buyback Price Comparison
| Version | F15 | VF25 | XF40 | AU55+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top Six Stars | HK$1,500 | HK$2,800 | HK$5,000 | HK$8,000 |
| Bottom Five Stars | HK$2,500 | HK$4,500 | HK$8,000 | HK$14,000 |
| Top Five Stars | HK$3,800 | HK$6,500 | HK$12,000 | HK$22,000 |
Authenticity Identification Reminder
Because the Top Five Stars version commands a high price, there are many altered coins in the market where the Top Six Stars version has been re-engraved into a Top Five Stars version. How to identify them:
- Examine the edges of the stars with a magnifying glass – genuine stars have sharp points and natural lines; re-engraved stars usually show signs of filing or abrasion.
- Check for any signs of the sixth star being filed down or flattened.
- If the value is high, it is recommended to send it for PCGS / NGC grading for confirmation.
Have a "Little Sun" coin and want to confirm its version? WhatsApp 98342057 a photo, and Gujin Jianbao will help you identify it for free.
