Mr. Fung from Tsuen Wan liquidates his father's estate before emigrating: A record of the recovery of six Guangxu Yuanbao coins from the 34th year of the Beiyang era
I've been in this line of work for several years, and the time when most people reach out isn't during Lunar New Year clean-ups, but when they're immigrating. Halfway through the immigration process, they suddenly have to deal with a house full of old items. The time pressure is immense, but they don't want to simply sell them off cheaply – people in the recycling business see this sentiment all too often.
Mr. Fung, in his early fifties, has lived in Tsuen Wan for over thirty years. Before retirement, he worked in a clerical role at Customs for over twenty years. He and his wife applied for Canadian immigration, and after their visa was approved, they started tidying up the house, only to discover that his father had left behind far more items than he had imagined. Inside one locked drawer, there was a cloth bag wrapped in newspaper. When opened, it revealed six shimmering old silver coins.
"My dad never mentioned these things when he was alive, and I didn't know he collected anything when I was little," Mr. Fung said when he WhatsApped the photos over. The photos weren't very clear, but the four characters "Guangxu Yuanbao" on the front and the coiled dragon pattern on the back were visible, allowing for a preliminary identification as Beiyang mint. We scheduled an on-site viewing for the next day.
Physical appraisal: The last batch of machine-struck silver dollars from Beiyang, Year 34
The six coins were laid out on the table, all of uniform size, weighing between 26.5-26.8 grams. Each coin was flipped to examine the reverse side. The dragon patterns were clear, and the beaded borders were intact – confirming them to be 7 mace and 2 candareens silver dollars issued by the Beiyang Mint in the 34th year of Guangxu (1908). This batch was the last official issue of machine-struck coins before the Beiyang Mint closed, so the mintage year itself holds historical significance.
In terms of condition, two of the six coins were particularly well-preserved: with even toning, sharp reeding, and a strong three-dimensional quality to the dragon whiskers, estimated to be XF45-AU50 grade. The other four showed normal circulation wear, approximately VF25-VF35.
Key appraisal points:
- Weight: Standard 26.86 grams, with all six coins deviating by less than 0.3 grams.
- Reeding: Even straight reeding, consistent depth, no signs of re-engraving.
- Sound: A crisp silver sound when lightly tapped, with a lingering echo.
- Toning: Even natural oxidation layer, no signs of artificial aging.
Pricing Logic
2026 Hong Kong buyback price range for regular Beiyang Year 34 coins:
- VF25-VF35: HK$4,500-6,500
- XF45: HK$8,000-12,000
- AU50+: HK$15,000-22,000
The total quoted price for the six coins was HK$52,000. Mr. Fung considered it overnight and confirmed the transaction the next day. He said the money would be just enough to cover air tickets and the first month's rent deposit.
If you also have similar old silver coins at home, feel free to WhatsApp 98342057 to send photos for a free preliminary assessment. Gugam Janbo offers free on-site appraisal, immediate cash payment, with no handling fees throughout the entire process.
