Record visible evidence before applying either name
Photograph each coin’s complete faces and transcribe its date, denomination, legends and main devices without relying on an old label.
Map toning, wear, knocks and cleaning evidence separately under the relevant coin number.
Questions for later review
Mark every missing edge section, weak character and holder-obscured area; do not borrow a similar variety’s detail.
Add damage close-ups only after complete views
Keep chops, envelopes and provenance in separate fields so they cannot substitute for inscriptions or metal evidence.
Use located details for the dragon, portrait, wreath, border and mint wording.
Carry the same number through views, dimensions, package and documents.
Leave unknown fields open
Sort multiple coins by visible date, denomination and design before comparing weight or diameter.
A shared market name may cover several issues; each coin retains its own measurements and condition.
Cite issue history while keeping labels and online images as research leads only.
One object per evidence set
Record a Guangdong dragon dollar’s authority and Kuping wording independently from a Yuan Shikai coin’s date, portrait and grain wreath.
Separate toning, weak strike, circulation wear, wiping lines and chemical brightness without cleaning either surface.
Check for missing evidence before comparison
Photograph the full circumference, preserving seams, holes, solder, filing, mounting and edge repairs.
Use images for visible classification and damage, reserving metal or subtle tooling for direct review.
Keep dragon-dollar and Yuan Shikai evidence apart
For each coin, reconcile visible wording and design with the edge, measured readings and packaging number.
A batch overview establishes quantity, while every close-up and unresolved field remains object-specific.
Keep tools, units and first readings; later values receive dates and explanations rather than replacing them.
Define any handling or testing need before opening a stable enclosure or contacting the metal.
Bring original packaging and the separate dragon-side and portrait-side gap lists to specialist review.
