Skip to product information
1 of 2

古金鑒寶

Buying and selling late Qing Dynasty silver coins, including the Xuantong era 50-cent silver coin. | Gu Jin Jian Bao

Buying and selling late Qing Dynasty silver coins, including the Xuantong era 50-cent silver coin. | Gu Jin Jian Bao

The Xuantong-era Daqing Silver Coin, 5 Jiao, is one of the silver coins issued during the Xuantong reign (1909-1911) in the late Qing Dynasty. As these coins were issued during the reign of Puyi, the last emperor of the Qing Dynasty, they hold significant historical importance and scarcity. Consequently, they command high collection and resale value in the antiques market.

Factors influencing resale value:

  1. Scarcity: Due to the short duration of the Xuantong reign, the mintage of these silver coins was limited. The number of well-preserved 5 Jiao silver coins currently in existence is small, making them highly sought after in the collector's market.
  2. Condition: The preservation status of a silver coin significantly impacts its resale price. Coins in better condition, especially those without obvious wear, corrosion, or scratches, typically command higher values.
  3. Historical Value: As currency issued during the last imperial reign of the Qing Dynasty, these silver coins bear witness to the end of China's feudal monarchy, possessing significant historical and cultural value.
  4. Market Demand: With the growth of the ancient coin collecting market, Xuantong-era silver coins are in high demand at auctions and among collectors, which has driven up their prices.

Xuantong-era Daqing Silver Coin (5 Jiao) Basic Specifications and Details

For collectors to accurately assess the value of their holdings, understanding the minting specifications of silver coins is the first step. The "Daqing Silver Coin" issued during the Xuantong era incorporated Western minting techniques in its design while retaining strong Eastern imperial symbolism. Its specific physical parameters are also crucial for authenticating old Qing Dynasty silver coins.

Specification Item Xuantong-era Daqing Silver Coin 5 Jiao (Half Yuan) Detailed Data Authentication and Collection Significance
Standard Weight Approximately 13.4g to 13.6g The weight of old silver dollars is the first step in identifying fakes; both too light or too heavy should raise suspicion.
Silver Fineness Approximately 80% silver, 20% copper Determines the silver coin's oxidation state and the natural luster of its patina.
Diameter Approximately 31.5mm to 32mm Significant dimensional deviation usually indicates a sand-cast fake.
Obverse Features "Daqing Silver Coin" within a central beaded circle, with Manchu and Chinese characters above and below, and floral branches on the left and right. The spirit of the calligraphy and the depth of the engraving are key to discerning varieties of Xuantong silver coins.
Reverse Features Coiling dragon motif, with "5 Jiao" in the center. The fullness and three-dimensionality of the dragon scales directly affect the grading for high-value antique silver coin resale.
Edge Milling Process Mainly reeded (uniform depth and spacing) Silver dollar edge milling authentication is central to anti-counterfeiting; genuine coins have edges pressed by machines, resulting in sufficient and regular pressure.

The Core of Determining Resale Price: Variety Differences and Dragon Coin Characteristics

In the ancient coin auction market, besides condition, "variety" is the absolute factor determining the price ceiling. While the 5 Jiao silver coin from the Xuantong 3rd Year series does not have as many complex trial varieties as the 1 Yuan main coin (such as "Long-Whiskered Dragon" or "Big-Tailed Dragon"), there are still subtle differences worth examining.

  • Subtle Adjustments in Calligraphy and Dragon Motif: During mold repair, some mints might cause slight variations in the thickness of the "Daqing Silver Coin" characters and the length of Manchu strokes. The angle of the dragon horns and the depth of the cloud patterns on the reverse are key points for experienced collectors to distinguish Xuantong 5 Jiao silver coin varieties.
  • Disparity Between Circulating and Trial Coins: The vast majority found in the market are circulating versions. If one is fortunate enough to find an unissued pattern coin or a proof strike, its Qing Dynasty old silver dollar resale price will increase exponentially.

Professional Collectors' Undisclosed Secrets: Four Key Tips for Authenticating Daqing Silver Coins

In recent years, many high-quality counterfeits have appeared on the market. If you are looking for where to sell antique silver coins, it is recommended to conduct a preliminary screening using the following Daqing silver coin authentication features before having them professionally appraised:

  1. Sound Test (Tapping Sound): When genuine silver coins are lightly tapped against each other, the sound is clear, mellow, and has a long resonance. Counterfeits with high copper content or made of lead will produce a dull, short sound.
  2. Patina Identification (Marks of Time): Old silver coins that have been passed down for a hundred years will develop a stable oxidation layer (patina) on their surface. Genuine patina has a natural, deeply embedded color, often appearing in iridescent, black lacquer, or chestnut hues. Artificial chemical patina, however, appears superficial and has a pungent odor.
  3. "Machine Marks" Under High Magnification: Daqing silver coins from the Xuantong era were struck using imported minting machines. The fields (blank areas of the coin) are flat, and the edges of the characters are sharp with no sticking. Most counterfeits are made using sand-casting, and their surfaces often have tiny sand holes or pores.
  4. Weight and Specific Gravity Test: This is the most scientific standard. Heavily worn circulating coins will have a slightly reduced weight, but if the weight is significantly below the standard value (e.g., only 11 grams), it is very likely a counterfeit.

In today's market, the resale price of Xuantong-era Daqing Silver Coins (5 Jiao) is generally high, with the specific price depending on the coin's condition, rarity, and market trends. For collectors, these silver coins are not only historically significant but also an investment with appreciation potential.

High-Price Resale in Hong Kong | Immediate Appraisal | Online Authentication

Do you have any Xuantong-era Daqing Silver Coins (5 Jiao) from the late Qing Dynasty but are unsure of their market value? Gujin Jianbao has specialized in silver coin collection for years, offering a comprehensive service from authenticity verification, condition grading, to market appraisal, all handled on the spot. Send us clear photos of both sides and detailed close-ups, and we will provide a professional preliminary quote on the same day.

Contact Information:

WhatsApp: 98342057

Tel: 852-98342057

Gujin Jianbao | Hong Kong Ancient Coins & Antiques Appraisal and Purchase Specialist Store


Recommended Related Resale Series

You might also be interested in: Popular Related Resale Items

Want to sell your silver dollars but are unsure of the market price? WhatsApp 98342057 to send us photos, and we will reply with an up-to-date market estimate on the same day. For more services, please browse our All Resale Product Series.

View full details

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Under what conditions should silver coins be kept to be worth collecting?

A: To maximize collection value, silver coins should retain their original toning, come with their original box and certificate, show no signs of cleaning, and ideally, avoid direct handling of the coin surface.

Q: How are silver coins with wear on both sides handled?

A: Wear on both sides of a silver coin will lower its grade. However, for rare editions, being able to clearly identify the design and text already makes it valuable for collection. Our expert will assess and appraise based on the specific condition, not a blanket valuation.

Q: Do silver coins with intact designs on both sides always fetch a high price?

A: While an intact design is a basic requirement, the true factors influencing a silver coin's value are its variety, year, and mintage. Our expert will conduct a comprehensive evaluation, not just price it based on appearance alone.

  • 1) Clients should first provide basic information about their collections via WhatsApp (852) 98342057. You can also contact us directly via this link.

  • 2) We will provide a preliminary quote after receiving your information.

  • 3) Both parties agree on a time and place (on-site inspection is available) to inspect the collection. We will provide a precise quote based on the actual condition of the collection.

  • 4) Confirm the sale and make payment in various forms such as bank transfer or cash.