A Set of Three Late Qing & Republic of China Milled Silver Coins with Antique Cinnabar Shou Longevity Marks, 19th‑20th Century

拍品描述

Dimensions: Each silver coin is 3.8 cm (1.50 inches) in diameter; the set weighs a total of 82 grams. This is a collection of 19th-20th century Chinese silver coins. Condition and Provenance: The three silver coins are structurally intact, without cracks, perforations, or obvious signs of repair. The original serrated edges are well preserved, with only slight natural wear from circulation. Two of the coins bear an antique hand-applied vermilion "寿" (longevity) mark; the aged vermilion layer exhibits a weathered texture, indicating they are genuine folk longevity commemorative items, firmly attached, and without any modern forgeries. The base coins include a Qing Dynasty Xuantong 3rd year silver dollar, a Guangxu Yuanbao Jiangnan Province Dragon silver dollar, and a Republic of China 3rd year one-yuan silver coin. The text, dragon patterns, and wreath designs are clearly discernible. The surface has an aged patina and a small amount of natural rust; the oxidation layer is naturally formed and has not undergone chemical oxidation cleaning or artificial treatment. This set of coins originates from an old family collection in eastern China. In 2024, it was acquired by a professional proof coin dealer in Singapore; in 2026, it was acquired by a private collector in Georgia, USA, becoming part of his collection of folk-marked ancient silver coins. Singapore, Georgia, and Vancouver are major trading centers for rare folk-marked Chinese silver coins worldwide. Description: This carefully selected coin set includes three representative one-yuan proof silver coins, spanning from the late Qing Dynasty to the Republic of China period, all bearing authentic cinnabar "longevity" inscriptions, making it a unique collectible that blends numismatics and traditional Chinese folklore. The Xuantong 3rd year Qing Dynasty silver dollar was the last official national currency minted by the Qing Dynasty's finance department. Its solemn calligraphy and exquisite border decoration make it one of the most prestigious royal coins of the Qing Dynasty. The Jiangnan Province Guangxu Yuanbao Seven-Straw Two Gold and Silver Dragon Silver Dollar was minted by the Jiangnan Arsenal. The dragon relief is magnificent, and the inscription is a mixture of Manchu and Han characters, making it a representative work of dragon-patterned coins from southern provinces. The Yuan Shikai wheat wreath silver dollar from the third year of the Republic of China was a major circulating silver coin in the early Republic of China period. Its realistic portrait and the wheat wreath design symbolizing prosperity signify flourishing. In ancient Chinese folk birthday customs, elders would inscribe the character "寿" (longevity) in cinnabar on the silver coins they gave as gifts, wishing for good fortune. Two coins in this set retain these ancient cinnabar inscriptions, providing physical evidence of this traditional birthday custom. All three coins possess historically standard silver purity and, over a century, have naturally developed a rich patina, with the background and patterns still clearly discernible. This complete set of coins provides valuable material reference for studying the evolution of currency, minting techniques, and folk birthday culture during the late Qing and early Republic of China periods. This collection brings together Qing Dynasty large dragon coins, Jiangnan dragon silver dollars, and Republic of China portrait coins, all bearing genuine folk cinnabar longevity inscriptions. Such collections are extremely rare to find today. It is highly sought after by silver coin collectors and folk art institutions worldwide, and can be considered a rare and complete heirloom among Chinese folk-themed silver coin collections.

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