Hong Kong Silver Dollar Collection Record: The Authentication and Monetization Journey of Six Sun Yat-sen | Gu Jin Jian Bao
I. Origin: Old Relics from a Safety Deposit Box
Last Tuesday afternoon, we had the pleasure of hosting Mr. Chan from Kowloon. Mr. Chan is a retired civil servant, known for his meticulous and practical nature.
When asked about his reasons for selling the silver dollars, Mr. Chan stated it was quite simple: he had recently been tidying up his personal financial assets and discovered several silver coins, left by his elders, that had been stored in his bank's safety deposit box. As he had no interest in coin collecting himself, and with the annual fees for bank safety deposit boxes continually rising in recent years, he decided to convert these idle silver coins into cash to simplify his asset allocation, intending to invest in more stable modern financial products.
After comparing several buyback agencies online, Mr. Chan was drawn to the transparency of"Gu Jin Jian Bao"(Gu Jin Jian Bao) and thus scheduled this in-person appraisal via WhatsApp.
II. Appraisal Process: Details Determine Value
Mr. Chan brought six famous modern Chinese silver dollars. As a professional buyback platform, we immediately began a meticulous product evaluation.
1. Obverse Condition and Variation Analysis
We first examined the obverse of the silver coins. All six coins were"Republic of China Founding Commemorative Coins with Sun Yat-sen's Portrait,"commonly known as"Sun Xiaotou"(Little Sun Head) in the collecting community. As can be seen from the image, the center of the coin features a side profile of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, surrounded by the words"Republic of China"and"Founding Commemorative Coin."The facial details on these coins remain clear, the lettering is crisp, and they exhibit a very natural age patina, without artificial acid washing or destructive polishing, which is crucial for preserving their value.

2. Reverse Details and English Features
Next, we turned to the reverse. The center of the reverse features the characters"One Yuan"(Chinese collectible 50c809), flanked by wheat stalks, with the English phrase"MEMENTO BIRTH OF REPUBLIC OF CHINA"and two six-pointed stars around the rim. This is a common variation of the"Lower Five-Star"or"Six-Pointed Star"types. The texture of the wheat stalks and the edges of the English lettering show no severe wear, indicating an overall condition ranging from extra fine (XF) to almost uncirculated (AU).

3. Reeded Edge and Authenticity Determination
Finally, the reeded edge is the last line of defense in determining authenticity. We stacked the six silver coins to observe their edges. The straight reeding on these coins was neatly cut, uniform in depth, and showed natural signs of oxidation. After further testing of their weight (standard approximately 26.6 grams) and silver content (approximately 89% purity), we confirmed that all six were genuine old coins.

After a comprehensive assessment, we provided a market buyback price that was higher than what common pawn shops offer. Mr. Chan was very satisfied with our professional analysis and quotation, and the transaction was completed on the spot.
III. Comparison Table of Similar Modern Silver Dollars
To give everyone a more intuitive understanding of the value of their own silver dollars, we have compiled a comparison of the three most common modern silver coins on the market:
| Coin Type Name | Common Name | Main Obverse Features | Main Reverse Features | Market Recycing Popularity and Characteristics |
| Republic of China Founding Commemorative Coin | Sun Xiaotou (Little Sun Head) | Sun Yat-sen's side profile | "One Yuan", wheat stalks, English inscription | High popularity. Many variations (e.g., Upper Six Stars, Lower Five Stars), excellent entry-level collectible, extremely high liquidity. |
| Yuan Shikai Silver Coin | Yuan Datou (Big Head Yuan) | Yuan Shikai's side profile | "One Yuan", Jiahe (auspicious grain) pattern | Extremely high popularity. Largest market share, significant price differences based on year (3rd, 8th, 9th, 10th year). |
| Sun Yat-sen Junk Silver Coin | Chuan Yang (Junk Dollar) | Sun Yat-sen's side profile | Two-masted junk sailing scene | High popularity. Primarily from the 22nd and 23rd years of the Republic, beautifully designed, highly favored by collectors who appreciate aesthetics. |
IV. Silver Dollar and Antique Buyback FAQ
Q1: My silver dollar has turned black. Do I need to clean and polish it before selling it to you?
A: Absolutely not!The blackening on the surface of silver dollars is called"patina,"a trace of history and an important basis for authenticating them. Cleaning it yourself with silver cleaner, toothpaste, or brushes will severely damage the coin's surface, creating scratches, which will drastically reduce its collectible value. Please bring it to us as is for appraisal.
Q2: How do you determine your buyback prices?
A:Our buyback prices are based on four main factors:authenticity, variation, condition, and the current international silver price/collectible market trends. While both are"Sun Xiaotou,"there's a huge price difference between a common variation and a rare one (e.g., single-day edition, three-petal flower edition); similarly, a coin with nicks or repairs will have a vastly different price from a flawless, untouched coin.
Q3: Besides silver dollars, what else do you Buyback? Is the process complicated?
A:At"Gu Jin Jian Bao,"we specialize in Buyback varioussilver coins and dollars, various antiques and miscellaneous items, and gold jewelry/gold bars. The process is very simple: You can first send clear front, back, and detailed photos of your items via WhatsApp or WeChat for a preliminary estimate; if you are satisfied, you can then schedule an appointment for an in-person appraisal at our physical store or arrange for a home visit. We will settle the payment on the spot, safely and quickly.
V. Contact"Gu Jin Jian Bao"
If you also have idle silver coins, antiques, or gold at home that require professional appraisal and Buyback, please feel free to contact us. We are committed to providing honest, high-value, and confidential services.
- WhatsApp:98342057
- WeChat:john19998
- Tel:852-98342057