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Silver Dollars: Buying Guangxu Yuanbao Hubei Province Ku-p'ing One Tael Silver Dollars - Old Silver Dollar Recycling Price Inquiry | Hongkang Business

Silver Dollars: Buying Guangxu Yuanbao Hubei Province Ku-p'ing One Tael Silver Dollars - Old Silver Dollar Recycling Price Inquiry | Hongkang Business

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Guangxu Yuanbao, Board of Revenue, Kuping One Tael: Collection Value, Identification Points, and Valuation Focus

In the history of modern Chinese coinage, the Board of Revenue Guangxu Yuanbao One Tael (also known as "Board of Revenue One Tael") is hailed as the "King of Silver Coins." Its exquisite dragon pattern craftsmanship and extremely low mintage make it a highlight at auctions. To help collectors better understand this legendary silver coin, the following provides in-depth information on its specifications, varieties, and market trends.


Board of Revenue Guangxu Yuanbao One Tael: Detailed Specifications Table

This silver coin is not only a symbol of wealth but also an important physical representation of the late Qing dynasty's currency reform.

Item Description Details Key Identification Points
Issuance Year 29th year of Guangxu (1903) Note the "29TH YEAR OF KUANG HSU" inscription on the coin face
Minting Authority Board of Revenue Mint (Tianjin) A standard coin minted centrally by the Qing Dynasty
Standard Weight Approximately 37.3 grams - 37.7 grams Actual weight is the primary criterion for authenticity
Silver Purity 90% pure silver (standard pure silver) Oxidized patina should show a natural luster
Diameter/Thickness Diameter approximately 40.5mm - 41mm Regular reeding, strong striking pressure
Obverse Design Inner circle "Guangxu Yuanbao" and Manchu script, outer circle "Board of Revenue," "Kuping One Tael" Deep, strong strokes in the inscription
Reverse Design Seated dragon totem (Large-tailed Cloud Dragon), with English inscription Clearly visible dragon scales, strong three-dimensional effect

Why is the Recycling Price of Board of Revenue One Tael Silver Dollars So High?

For collectors interested in old silver dollar recycling consultations, understanding the core factors influencing price is crucial:

  1. Pattern Coin Nature: The Board of Revenue One Tael was not officially widely circulated at the time and was mostly experimental, hence its extreme rarity.

  2. Historical Turning Point: It represents the Qing government's efforts to unify currency units (the "Tael" versus "Dollar" debate), possessing high historical research value.

  3. Pinnacle of Artistic Craftsmanship: Its dragon design combines Western minting technology with traditional Chinese aesthetics, making it a highly coveted artwork for coin collectors.


️ Free Assessment: How to Distinguish Authenticity and Evaluate Condition

The market is flooded with high-quality fakes of the Guangxu Yuanbao One Tael. Silver dollar recycling shops typically conduct in-depth assessments based on the following dimensions:

  • Sound: Genuine silver coins produce a crisp, soft ringing sound with a long echo; fake coins often sound sharp and short or dull.

  • Patina: Old silver coins, centuries old, will develop a natural black or iridescent oxidation layer (patina) on their surface. If the patina appears stiff and unnatural, beware of artificial aging.

  • Reeding: Genuine coins produced by mechanical pressure have uniform, consistent, and smooth reeding; counterfeits often show signs of filing or alteration.

  • Condition Grading: For the same Board of Revenue One Tael, a higher PCGS or NGC grade (e.g., MS60 and above) will result in a vastly different recycling and auction price.


2024-2026 Silver Dollar Recycling Market Trend

With increasing demand for physical asset allocation, the market for Qing Dynasty silver coins and Guangxu Yuanbao continues to rise.

  • Common/Repaired Items: While possessing collection value, their price is reduced, and it is recommended to seek appraisal from professional institutions.

  • Exceptional Original Luster Items: For silver coins that retain their original mint luster, the premium potential is immense, making them regulars at major high-end coin auctions.

  • Reference: If you own a "Board of Revenue One Tael Seated Dragon," "Qing Dynasty Central Mint Silver Coin," or "One Tael Series Rare Coin," it is advisable to seek reputable physical recyclers for in-person quotes to safeguard the value of your assets.


The Guangxu Yuanbao Board of Revenue Kuping One Tael is a silver coin minted during the Guangxu reign (1875-1908) in the late Qing Dynasty, representing an important part of modern Chinese coinage. Its official name is "Great Qing Silver Coin" or "Guangxu Year Minted by the Board of Revenue Silver Dollar," but because it is inscribed with "Guangxu Yuanbao," it is commonly referred to by the public as "Guangxu Yuanbao."

This silver coin had a denomination of one tael. At that time, to unify the various local weights and measures, "Kuping Tael" was specifically established as the national standard weight unit, hence this silver coin was also known as "Board of Revenue Kuping One Tael." The obverse features "Guangxu Yuanbao" in four characters and Manchu script in the center, surrounded by decorative patterns; the reverse depicts a lifelike dragon pattern, symbolizing imperial power and nobility, with the English inscription "TAI-CHING-TI-KUO SILVER COIN" on the edge, meaning "Great Qing Empire Silver Coin."

Due to the limited mintage of the Guangxu Yuanbao Board of Revenue Kuping One Tael at the time, coupled with prolonged social changes and wars, very few remain, making it a highly historically and artistically valuable treasure in the coin collecting world. Hong Kong & Macau Coins offers silver coin recycling services. If you have silver coins for sale, please feel free to contact us.

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Common FAQs

Is it true that I shouldn't clean silver coins myself?

Yes, it's true. Never use silver polish, toothpaste, or abrasive cloths to clean them, as this will damage the toning and original luster, causing them to be categorized as "cleaned" and significantly decreasing their value. Maintaining their original condition is key to preserving their worth.

Silver dollars: Do you buy Guangxu Yuanbao (Kuping One Liang) silver dollars? What about scratched or worn old silver dollars?

Yes, we do. The value of silver dollars is primarily determined by their condition grade (from Uncirculated (UNC) to Good (G)). Minor wear is considered normal circulation marks, and we will adjust the estimated value based on the grading rather than refusing to buy them.

How do you authenticate silver dollars?

We examine multiple indicators, including weight, diameter, edge reeding, sound, toning, and engraving details. With 20 years of authentication experience with common silver dollars like Yuan Datou, Sun Xiaotou, Boat Dollars, and Dragon Dollars, we can verify them on-site.

Are graded coins (PCGS/NGC) more valuable?

Yes. Third-party professional grading (PCGS, NGC, Gongbo) significantly enhances liquidity and confidence, and high-grade coins can double in value. We also accept ungraded coins and provide professional assessment on-site.

How can I get a free appraisal from Hong Kong Coin Company?

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