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High-Priced Buyback: Hubei Province Ku-p'ing 1 Mace 4.4 Candareens Silver Coin, Kwangtung Yuan-pao | Hongkang Business

High-Priced Buyback: Hubei Province Ku-p'ing 1 Mace 4.4 Candareens Silver Coin, Kwangtung Yuan-pao | Hongkang Business

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Deconstructing: Hubei Province Xuan Tong Yuan Bao (1 Mace and 4.4 Candareens) Collection Value and Varieties

Beyond appearance and historical background, for experienced collectors and investors, understanding the physical specifications, variety details, and market grading standards of this "Hubei Xuan Tong small coin" is crucial. Below, we have compiled detailed data and analysis to help you more precisely grasp its collection value.

1. Coin Physical Specifications Table

Understanding standard weight and dimensions is the first step in authenticating a coin. While circulation over a century may cause slight wear, genuine coins typically conform to the minting standards of the time.

Parameter Specification Data (Reference Standard) Remarks
Coin Denomination Kuping 1 Mace and 4.4 Candareens Commonly known as "two jiao" or "two dime small foreign coin," serving as subsidiary currency
Minting Year Xuantong Reign of Qing Dynasty (1909-1911) The last imperial era of the late Qing, short minting period, relatively small circulation
Standard Diameter Approx. 23.5 mm - 24.0 mm If the diameter deviates significantly, beware of modern replicas
Standard Weight Approx. 5.2g - 5.4g Varies based on wear from circulation; be cautious if significantly below 5g
Silver Purity Approx. 82% - 84% Silver content of late Qing subsidiary coins was slightly lower than main coins (7 mace and 2 candareens), a slightly yellowish hue is normal
Edge Reeding Features Straight reeding / Olive reeding Deep, regular edge reeding is a characteristic of genuine coins

2. Xuan Tong Yuan Bao vs. Guang Xu Yuan Bao: Varieties and Market Differences

Although both were minted in Hubei Province, the "Xuan Tong Yuan Bao" and the "Guang Xu Yuan Bao" from the previous dynasty exhibit significant differences in market value and design details. Understanding these can help you determine the value of your silver coin.

Comparison Item Hubei Province Guang Xu Yuan Bao Hubei Province Xuan Tong Yuan Bao (This product) Collector's Market Perspective
Obverse Inscription "Guang Xu Yuan Bao" in the center "Xuan Tong Yuan Bao" in the center The Xuantong era was short, good condition coins are rarer
Reverse Dragon Design Dragon patterns are more varied Dragon design tends to be unified, with strong dragon scale texture Xuantong dragon coins generally have more refined and three-dimensional engraving
Font Style Calligraphy style varies Fonts are dignified and neat, Manchu script style is fixed Clarity of Xuantong coin inscriptions is a key factor affecting price
Market Circulation Relatively larger existing quantity Relatively smaller existing quantity Xuantong small coins show an upward trend in the high-end collector's market

3. What Determines the Price? (SEO: Silver Coin Valuation Standards)

Many customers ask: "Why is there such a huge difference in the recycling price of seemingly identical coins?" Besides authenticity, here are the core indicators that determine the market price of silver dollars:

  • Mint Luster: Whether the coin's surface retains its original rotational luster from the mint. "Original luster coins" with strong cartwheel effect command much higher prices than cleaned or worn bare coins.

  • Patina/Toning: The color formed by oxidation on the silver coin's surface. Natural iridescent toning, circular toning, or antique black "lacquer" are highly sought after by experienced collectors, offering significant premium potential.

  • Details (Inscriptions and Dragon Scales): Are the inscriptions clear and crisp? Are the dragon scales on the reverse full and unworn? Coins with "full dragon scales" are highly coveted in the collecting world.

  • Chopmarks: Whether there are assay marks left by banks on the coin's surface. "Plain" coins without chopmarks usually fetch higher prices than those with them.

Expert Tip: Never clean silver coins yourself! Using toothpaste or silver polish can destroy the precious "patina" and "original luster," causing the collection value to plummet by over 50% instantly.

4. Three Simple Tips: Hubei Xuan Tong Yuan Bao Authenticity Identification

Before inquiring about silver coin recycling, you can perform preliminary screening using the following simple methods to avoid falling for low-quality counterfeits:

  1. Sound Test: A genuine silver coin, when gently tapped (e.g., flicked with a fingernail), will produce a prolonged, soft, and pleasant sound; counterfeit coins (made of cupronickel, lead-zinc alloy) usually produce a short, sharp, or dull sound (like tapping a metal sheet).

  2. Edge Reeding: Use a magnifying glass to observe the edge reeding. Genuine reeding is produced by machine rolling, with consistent depth and a smooth base; the reeding on high-quality fakes is often cast, with rounded, weak edges, and sometimes even file marks.

  3. Calligraphy: The calligraphy on Hubei Province coins is strong and forceful, with sharp strokes. Counterfeit fonts often appear bloated, with connected strokes, lacking the original spirit.


Hong Kang Company | Ten-year-old shop, physical store, instant cash, island-wide doorstep service.

  • Free Online Appraisal: Unsure about the value of your silver dollar? Just upload photos, and our expert team will provide a preliminary age assessment and valuation.

  • Real-time Market Alignment: Prices closely track international auctions and coin market trends, eliminating information asymmetry and ensuring your collection sells for its true value.

  • Non-destructive Testing Technology: On-site transactions use professional instruments to verify purity without damaging the silver coin's surface, preserving the precious item's original appearance.

The Hubei Province Kuping 1 Mace and 4.4 Candareens silver coin is a small silver coin minted by Hubei Province during the late Qing Guangxu era (1875-1908), with a face value equivalent to "Kuping 1 Mace and 4.4 Candareens." This type of silver coin was mainly used for small transactions in local markets, compensating for the shortage of currency circulation at the time. The obverse features the four characters "Guang Xu Yuan Bao" in the center, surrounded by an exquisite dragon pattern. Above is inscribed "Hubei Province Made," and below is "Kuping 1 Mace and 4.4 Candareens." The reverse features the English "Hu-Peh Province" and "1 MACE AND 4 CANDAREENS," accompanied by a double dragon playing with a pearl motif, showcasing the fusion of Chinese and Western cultures.

Due to its long history and limited existing quantity, this silver coin has become a sought-after item for collectors, possessing high historical value and artistic appeal. Over time, the market price of these silver coins has steadily risen, making them a rare and favored item in the investment market. Hong Kang Company offers authenticity appraisal, value assessment, and transparent and fair recycling services. Collectors holding such silver coins are welcome to inquire and seek assessment.

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Common FAQs

Will coins graded by PCGS/NGC be more valuable?

Yes. Third-party professional grading (PCGS, NGC, GBCA) will significantly increase liquidity and confidence, and high-grade coins can double in price. We also accept ungraded coins and provide on-site professional evaluation.

Will you still buy a Hupeh Province Kuping 1 Mace 4.4 Candareens (Xuantong Yuanbao) silver coin if it has wear and scratches?

Yes, we will. Silver dollars are mainly graded based on their condition (from Uncirculated UNC to Good G). Slight wear is considered normal circulation marks, and the estimated value will be adjusted based on the grading, but we will not refuse to buy it.

If I have a large batch of silver dollars, can you pick them up at my location?

Yes, we can. We offer free home visits throughout Hong Kong, and the more coins you have, the more welcome you are. We recommend pre-sorting them by type and year to facilitate quick appraisal by our staff.

How do you appraise special varieties (signed editions, Gansu editions, etc.)?

Based on their rarity and market popularity. Famous items such as signed editions, Gansu overprints, and O-mint triangle circles have extremely high premiums. We recommend sending us clear photos of the front, back, and key features.

How do I get a free appraisal from Wang Hong Kang Coins?

Simply WhatsApp us at 9453 0784 with photos. For coins, please send photos of the front, back, and edge milling; for banknotes, please include the serial number. We generally respond with a reference price within 10 minutes. We offer free pick-up services in Hong Kong, Kowloon, New Territories, and Macau, or you can visit our store for an immediate transaction.