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Professional Silver Dollar Recycling in Hong Kong and Macau | Sun Yat-sen Republic of China Year 21 Junk Boat One Yuan Three Birds Silver Dollar High Price | Hong Kang Trading Company
Professional Silver Dollar Recycling in Hong Kong and Macau | Sun Yat-sen Republic of China Year 21 Junk Boat One Yuan Three Birds Silver Dollar High Price | Hong Kang Trading Company
Deconstructing the Collection: Historical Value and Varieties of the Republic of China Year 21 Sun Yat-sen "Three Birds" Junk Silver Dollar
1. Historical Background: Why is the "Three Birds Coin" so precious?
The Sun Yat-sen "Junk" one-dollar silver coin from the 21st year of the Republic of China (1932), commonly known as the "Three Birds Coin" or "Lower Three Birds Coin," was the first silver standard national currency minted and issued by the Shanghai Central Mint after the Nationalist Government implemented the "abolition of tael and adoption of yuan" reform.
This silver coin enjoys an extremely high reputation in the collecting world, mainly due to its "scarcity in existence" and "special historical circumstances":
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Design Controversy and Recall: The reverse side of the coin features a two-masted junk sailing on the sea, with three flying birds on the right and a rising sun in the east. At that time, Sino-Japanese relations were tense, and public opinion believed that the "rising sun" symbolized the Japanese national flag, and the "three birds" alluded to Japanese bombers, interpreted as "Japanese planes bombing China."
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Brief Issuance: To appease public sentiment, the Nationalist Government urgently ordered the cessation of minting and the recall for melting. Therefore, the "Three Birds Coin" was in actual circulation for a very short period, and genuine pieces that survive to this day in good condition are extremely rare, making it one of the "coin king" level varieties in silver dollar collecting.
2. Coin Physical Specifications and Authentication Parameters
For experienced collectors and investors, mastering precise physical parameters is the first step in distinguishing authenticity. Hongkang Pawnshop's appraisers have compiled the standard parameters for you:
| Parameter | Standard Data | Authentication Points (Authenticity Identification) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Weight | 26.5 grams - 27.0 grams | Genuine coins have standard weight; heavily worn ones are slightly lighter. Be cautious if below 26.2 grams. |
| Diameter | 39.0 mm - 39.5 mm | Fixed size. Privately minted coins with insufficient pressure often have the correct diameter but very shallow reeding. |
| Thickness | 2.5 mm (approx.) | Uniform edge thickness, no obvious filing marks. |
| Silver Content | 88% - 90% | Genuine silver has a soft, pleasant ringing sound with a long echo; fake coins usually sound sharp or dull. |
| Edge Reeding Features | Olive reeding / Straight reeding | Year 21 versions mostly have olive reeding, with deep and regular grooves. |
Expert Tip: "High-quality counterfeit Three Birds Coins" are common on the market, often modified from ordinary junk coins (with the "three birds" added later). The key to authentication lies in whether the birds' form is natural and smooth, and whether there are traces of repair on the surrounding fields.
3. Variety Comparison: Year 21 "Three Birds" vs. Ordinary Year 22/23 Junk Coins
Many novice collectors easily confuse the "Three Birds Coin" with later ordinary junk coins. The following table details the core differences between the two, helping you accurately assess the value of your collection:
| Feature | Republic of China Year 21 (Three Birds Version) | Republic of China Year 22/23 (Ordinary Junk Dollar) | Market Rarity and Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reverse Design | Three flying birds on the right side of the junk, with the rising sun in the east. | Only the junk design, no birds, no rising sun. | The Three Birds version is extremely valuable, while the ordinary version is common currency. |
| Obverse Lettering | "中華民國二十一年" (Republic of China Year 21) | "中華民國二十二/三年" (Republic of China Year 22/23) | The year is a direct distinction, but beware of altered dates. |
| Junk Details | Finer lines on the sails, clear depiction of ropes. | Relatively coarser lines, obvious mass-production characteristics. | Different mold precision. |
| Collection Grade | Prestigious Item / Rare Coin | Mass collectible / Investment silver coin | The Three Birds Coin is a frequent auction item. |
4. What determines the price? (2024-2025 Market Trends)
Hongkang Pawnshop offers competitive high-price silver dollar recycling services in Hong Kong and Macau. For the Year 21 Three Birds Silver Dollar, our valuation standards are open and transparent, mainly depending on the following factors:
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