The classification of the Sun Yat-sen Commemorative Coin (known as"Sun Xiaotou"in the trade) is primarily based on the arrangement of the six-pointed stars on the reverse side—"upper five stars,""lower five stars,"and"upper six stars."While there are significant price differences between the three versions, many owners cannot distinguish which version they possess.
Quick conclusion:When choosing a"Sun Xiaotou"buyback service, the most important aspects to verify are the transparency of the inspection process, the itemized quotation, and the clarity of the settlement method.
How to distinguish the three versions?
Upper Six Stars Version (Most Common)
Six six-pointed stars are arranged in an arc on the upper reverse side. This is the standard circulating version, with the largest mintage, accounting for 90% of"Sun Xiaotou"coins on the market. VF condition buyback price is HK$2,000-3,500.
Lower Five Stars Version (Moderately Scarce)
Five six-pointed stars are arranged in an arc on the lower reverse side, with no stars on the upper side. The mintage is less than the upper six-star version but is not particularly rare. VF condition buyback price is HK$3,500-6,000.
Upper Five Stars Version (Most Scarce)
Five six-pointed stars are arranged in an arc on the upper reverse side, with no stars on the lower side. This version has the smallest mintage and the highest market price. VF condition buyback price is HK$5,000-12,000.
Key to Identification: Distinguish the three versions in 30 seconds
Flip the silver coin to the reverse side, and follow these steps:
- Count the number of stars: 5 or 6?
- If 6 stars → Upper Six Stars Version (most common)
- If 5 stars → Check the position of the stars: upper or lower?
- Upper 5 stars → Upper Five Stars Version (most scarce, congratulations)
- Lower 5 stars → Lower Five Stars Version (moderately scarce)
2026 Buyback Price Comparison
| Version | F15 | VF25 | XF40 | AU55+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upper Six Stars | HK$1,500 | HK$2,800 | HK$5,000 | HK$8,000 |
| Lower Five Stars | HK$2,500 | HK$4,500 | HK$8,000 | HK$14,000 |
| Upper Five Stars | HK$3,800 | HK$6,500 | HK$12,000 | HK$22,000 |
Authenticity Verification Reminder
Due to the high-price of the Upper Five Stars version, there are many altered coins in the market where the Upper Six Stars version is re-engraved to appear as the Upper Five Stars version. Identification methods:
- Use a magnifying glass to observe the edges of the stars—genuine stars have sharp angles and natural lines; altered stars usually show signs of filing or grinding.
- Check for traces of the sixth star being filed down.
- If the value is high, it is recommended to send it for PCGS / NGC grading for confirmation.
Information to Verify Before Choosing a Service
- Inspection Method:Confirm that the service provider will explain the inspection tools, criteria, and that estimation should not be based solely on verbal appraisal.
- Quotation:Request an itemized quotation listing the type, condition, weight or version, deduction items, and the final net amount.
- Settlement Security:Before an in-person or in-store transaction, confirm the payment method, identity verification, receipt, and confidentiality arrangements.
The value of service-oriented articles lies in helping you check if the process is transparent; before an official transaction, you should ask the other party to itemize the inspection method, quotation basis, and payment method.
Service Quotation Boundary (2026-06-03)
Commitments to service procedures do not imply a fixed buyback price for every collectible. Before an official transaction, a separate calculation should still be made for each item based on its authenticity, condition, purity, weight, version, grading results, and the prevailing market price on the day of transaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to determine if a buyback service is transparent?
See if they are willing to explain, item by item, the inspection methods, quotation breakdown, deduction items, and payment methods, rather than just giving a lump sum.
What should I prepare before an in-person transaction?
First, clearly photograph the collectibles, organize the quantity and source information, and confirm the transaction location, payment method, receipt, and privacy arrangements.
