Discovery of Old Silver Coins During Tai Po Farm Renovation: Authentication Report of a 1911 Trade Dollar and an 1899 Indo-Chinese Piastre

The way some silver dollars appear can be quite dramatic. This case, received last month, didn't involve silver coins found in a camphor wood chest, but rather falling out of a crack in a mud wall at an organic farm in Tai Po.

Mr. Chow, 45, resigned from his finance job in Central a few years ago to rent land and open an organic farm in Lam Tsuen, Tai Po. Recently, he hired workers to renovate a pre-war stone house on the farm. While demolishing a wall, workers discovered a hidden compartment containing several metal objects wrapped in oilcloth. Mr. Chow opened them to find two severely oxidized silver coins and a brass pipe.

"The stone house is at least seventy or eighty years old. The previous occupants probably hid these during wartime when they fled," Mr. Chow thought it was interesting, but knowing nothing about ancient coins himself, he found Gujin Jianbao online and sent a few photos via WhatsApp.

Dual Coin Appraisal

First Coin: 1911 British Trade Dollar

The obverse features Britannia holding a trident standing by the sea, and the reverse has the Chinese and English denomination "One Dollar." The year 1911 is a later version of the Trade Dollar series. Due to being buried in the wall for a long time, the surface has a thick layer of oxidation, but the underlying details are still well-preserved. It is estimated to reach VF20-25 after cleaning. Weight: 26.91 grams, 90% silver content.

Second Coin: 1899 French Indochina Piastre

The obverse features a seated depiction of Liberty, and the reverse has the Chinese characters "Trade Silver · French Indochina." The year 1899, minted in Paris. Condition: F12-15, with noticeable circulation wear but intact reeding on the edge. Weight: 27.1 grams.

Pricing and Transaction

The buyback price for a 1911 Trade Dollar in VF condition is approximately HK$2,500-3,500; an 1899 Piastre in F condition is about HK$1,200-1,800. The combined quoted price for both was HK$4,800.

After receiving the money, Mr. Chow smiled and said, "The renovation of the farm cost over a hundred thousand dollars. These two silver coins are like a gift back from the stone house."

Found old silver coins while renovating your home or demolishing an old house? Don't rush to throw them away. WhatsApp 98342057 and send photos to Gujin Jianbao for a free appraisal.