Group of Nine 1914 Republic of China Yuan Shikai 20-Cent Silver Fractional Coins, the 3rd Year of the Republic of China (1914), Early 20th Century Beiyang Government Machine-Struck Silver Subsidiary Currency

拍品描述

Dimensions: Each coin measures 2.3 cm (0.91 inches) in diameter and weighs 49 grams. This is a complete set of 1914 Tianjin Mint 20-cent silver coins. Condition and Provenance: This set of nine 1914 Yuan Shikai 20-cent silver coins comes from the same original collection and contains no counterfeits or imitations. Each coin is cast from thick, dense silver with a naturally formed patina, exhibiting a soft, layered appearance. It has never undergone acid washing, chemical cleaning, or artificial aging. The obverse features a well-minted military portrait of Yuan Shikai, with clear and defined facial features and epaulets. The reverse is surrounded by a full and symmetrical wheat ear design, with the denomination "20 cents" in the center, surrounded by the exchange rate text "Five coins equal one silver dollar," all clearly legible and without blurring or wear. The wear is even and authentic, with no obvious stamping marks, large scratches, deformation, or bending. The outer ring of fine beads is intact, without missing beads, rolled edges, or signs of repair. The coin surface is smooth and flat, without any corrosion pits. This set of coins was originally consigned for sale by a senior coin dealer in Toronto and entered the hands of a private collector in Pennsylvania, USA, specializing in modern Chinese machine-made coins, in 2025. New York, California, and Vancouver are major global trading centers for Chinese silver coins from the late Qing Dynasty and the Republic of China period. Description: This complete set of coins includes nine 1914 Yuan Shikai 20-cent silver coins, official small-denomination currency issued by the Beiyang Government after unifying the national currency standard. A complete set of nine coins of this variety is extremely rare on the global market, making it a coveted item for American coin collectors specializing in Chinese historical coins. The obverse features a half-length portrait of Yuan Shikai in formal military uniform, flanked by the inscription "Republic of China Year Three" in regular script. The portrait is realistically and meticulously sculpted, with distinct layers in the military uniform texture, creating a strong three-dimensional effect. The reverse side features a symmetrical, full-grained wreath surrounding the central "20 fen" inscription, with the outer ring indicating the exchange rate for small daily transactions. Each coin was minted by the Tianjin Mint using Western industrial coin-making equipment. The sufficient die pressure ensured a clear distinction between the relief design and the flat surface, and the silver alloy composition fully complied with the official minting standards of the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of China. This 20-fen subsidiary coin was a major medium of exchange in urban and rural areas during the early Republic of China period, serving as tangible historical evidence of the Beiyang monetary reforms and the domestic economic circulation pattern. This set of coins has multidisciplinary research value, encompassing early modern metal engraving techniques, the financial history of the Republic of China, and folk trade customs. All nine coins retain their complete circulation patina, untouched by any artificial cleaning, polishing, or repair. The portraits, wheat ear wreaths, inscriptions, and beaded edges are all in balanced condition, without any flaws, and the overall quality remains undiminished. A complete set of coins far surpasses loose coins in terms of display effect and long-term value retention, and its market value has consistently risen at international coin auctions.

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