Find the missing evidence in a Yuan Shikai dollar edge study
Determine first what the coin can support. Record clear sections of the complete edge along with weight, diameter, measuring tool and unit, while leaving an indistinct section open rather than copying it from another dollar.
What can be completed now
Before opening any enclosure, photograph its seal and four sides. Keep full-coin views, raking-light images and located damage details under the coin's identifier.
What must remain unresolved
If the date, denomination, portrait wording or grain-wreath text is incomplete or concealed, explain why. Locate each damage detail on an overall view and do not alter the coin merely to obtain a missing angle.
Start with dimensions and visible wording
Record the proposed name, legible inscriptions and designs, dimensions or weight, current enclosure and surface condition. Mark every obscured point for comparison.
A grading label and score need to be checked against the enclosed date, proposed variety, portrait, grain wreath and visible surface. State what the holder prevents you from seeing.
Make packaging restrictions explicit
Read the portrait-side date and denomination first, then copy the wreath-side wording before comparing examples of the same format. Weight and diameter make sense only within the specification of the identified coin.
Describe patina colour, circulation wear, weak strike, wiping lines and cleaning-related lustre as separate observations. Leave a darkened surface untouched and record the limitation created by its enclosure.
Use the identifier on complete images, details, measurements, packaging and documents so later additions cannot be attached to another coin.
Protect the evidence during storage
Sort several portrait dollars by date and visible variety features. Each coin's two faces, edge sequence, weight and diameter should remain together with the original readings.
Photographs may support classification and conspicuous damage, but metal, minute repairs and hidden areas can require direct examination. Define the inspection needed without forcing the enclosure.
Treat provenance as a research lead
Treat chop marks as physical observations, and retain any old sleeve or ownership history as separate background; none replaces the portrait lettering, wreath, strike, surface or edge. Preserve the original reading attached to each source.
Begin with uncropped photographs of both faces and the full circumference. Add located details of the hair, epaulette, date lettering, grain wreath, denticles and proposed variety features.
Cite the reference and consultation date for claims about issue, manufacture or history. Previous labels, oral accounts and online images cannot make an obscured feature visible.
Organise the Yuan Shikai dollar around date, denomination and portrait evidence
First connect the complete edge, weight, diameter, tool and unit to a map of mintmarks, chop marks, holes and suspected edge work. Resolve the basic coin identity before interpreting those observations.
Next confirm the item number, date, denomination and wording on both faces, followed by the grain wreath, knot, denomination characters and finer variety indicators. Date each stage and preserve its original evidence.
Distinguish physical observations such as images, dimensions and weight from market names, provenance and research notes. Apply the same distinction when discussing the wreath and lettering details.
If an image and a measurement conflict, repeat the observation at the same location and under stated conditions. Arrange direct examination only when the discrepancy remains unexplained.
If the coin sits in an old album, original box or sealed holder, describe the restriction before an enquiry. Photograph the visible wreath and edge instead of forcing the enclosure.
