Connect the dated portrait to the grain-wreath reverse
Photograph both faces level and uncropped. Copy the date inscription, portrait-side wording, denomination and grain-wreath details before considering hair, epaulette, character or ribbon varieties.
Give the coin one number and use it on the full views, edge sequence, measurement card and holder. Similar Yuan Shikai dollars can otherwise exchange details within a batch.
Keep a paper sleeve or slab attribution as a separate lead. The enclosed date, portrait and reverse still need to support the proposed name.
Move from complete designs to small diagnostics
On the portrait side, locate the hair, ear, moustache, epaulettes, date characters and denticles. On the reverse, retain the denomination, leaves, ribbon and inner border in view.
A diagnostic close-up must include enough surrounding design to place it. Do not decide a subtype from an isolated enlarged mark whose position cannot be recovered.
Record the edge as a continuous circuit
Begin at one landmark and photograph overlapping sections in a consistent direction. Mark reeding changes, seams, knocks, clipping, filing, holes or solder exactly where they occur.
Show weight, diameter and thickness with the original tool, unit and contact points. Repeat an inconsistent value under the same setup while preserving both readings.
Separate condition from variety evidence
Describe toning, circulation wear, strike softness, wiping hairlines and cleaning sheen individually. Darkening around the portrait or wreath is not a reason to polish the coin.
Locate chops, scratches, rim bruises and repaired areas on an overall image before adding raking-light details. Later work may affect condition without identifying the year.
Use comparison material with restraint
Sort multiple Yuan Shikai dollars first by their legible dates and denominations. Compare portrait, character, wreath and edge details only after each coin has an individual evidence set.
Historical statements and specialised variety names should carry a reference and consultation date. Another specimen can show where to look, never what must be present.
Resolve the missing edge frame before comparing date and wreath
Reconcile the full faces, edge circuit, dimensions, holder and old envelope against the reference number. Add the missing edge frame or flag the obscured character before comparing date and grain-wreath details.
Keep confirmed inscriptions, proposed subtype and observed condition in separate sections. This makes disagreement testable without rewriting the underlying evidence.
Preserve first photographs and measurement cards when new information arrives. Date the revision and say which visible feature changed the interpretation.
At handover, leave the toning and enclosure intact. No dip, polish, filing or scratch test is needed to compare the date, wreath and edge.
Pass the unresolved list with the coin so the next examination begins at a defined character, edge section or measurement conflict.
