Overview
Sun Yat-sen Founding Commemorative Coin "Double Flag Two Jiao": Historical Background and Collection Value Analysis
The Sun Yat-sen Founding Commemorative Coin (commonly known as the "Sun Xiaotou" series) was the first batch of silver coins minted after the establishment of the Republic of China to replace Qing Dynasty currency and commemorate the founding of the nation. Among them, the Two Jiao silver coin with the double flag on the reverse, although of small face value (subsidiary coin), holds an important position in the coin collecting community because it witnessed the special historical period of transition from imperial monarchy to a republican system.
This silver coin is not only an object for precious metal investment but also an important physical historical material for studying the politics, economy, and coinage craftsmanship of the early Republic of China. For seasoned collectors, the rarity of the variety and the completeness of the condition are key factors determining its resale market buyback price.
Detailed Product Specifications and Technical Parameters
To help you understand the physical characteristics of your collection more accurately, we have compiled a technical parameter comparison table. Please note that genuine silver coins have extremely small tolerances in weight and size, which is an important basis for preliminary screening of authenticity.
| Parameter Item | Detailed Specification Data | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Official Name | Republic of China Founding Commemorative Coin Two Jiao (Sun's Portrait/Double Flag) | Commonly known as "Sun Xiaotou Two Jiao" or "Double Flag Two Jiao" |
| Minting Year | Year 1 of the Republic (1912) and subsequent re-minting | First batch of commemorative coins after the Xinhai Revolution |
| Main Material | Silver | Silver content typically around 70% - 80% (slight variations depending on variety and degree of oxidation) |
| Standard Diameter | Approx. 23.0mm - 24.0mm | Be wary of diameters that are too large or too small |
| Standard Weight | Approx. 5.2g - 5.4g | Significantly underweight may indicate a counterfeit or excessive wear |
| Obverse Design | Side profile of Sun Yat-sen | "MEMENTO" at the top, "BIRTH OF REPUBLIC OF CHINA" at the bottom |
| Reverse Design | Eighteen-star flag and Five-color flag crossed | Symbolizing the Five Races Under One Union and the Iron Blood Eighteen Stars |
| Edge Features | Reeded edge or olive edge | Deep, well-defined edge reeding and strong strike are characteristics of genuine coins |
How to Identify the Authenticity of Sun Yat-sen Two Jiao Silver Coin? Experts Teach You 3 Tips
Before cashing in old silver coins, performing a preliminary assessment yourself can help you understand the value of your collection. Hong Kang Trading provides three key identification points based on years of experience:
1. Sound Test
Genuine silver coins, due to their high silver content and strong strike pressure, will emit a soft, prolonged, and pleasant ringing sound with a lingering echo when lightly tapped or blown on. If the sound is sharp and short (like metal sheet) or dull and muffled (like lead-tin alloy), it is highly likely to be a low-quality counterfeit.
2. Patina Inspection
Old silver dollars, after a hundred years, will form a natural layer of oxidation on the surface called "patina." The patina on genuine coins transitions naturally in color, varying in depth and layering, and is not easily removed. Artificial counterfeit patina usually has a dull color (like uniform black or light yellow), floats on the surface, and may even have a pungent chemical smell.
3. Detail & Strike Pressure
The minting craftsmanship of the Sun Yat-sen Founding Commemorative Two Jiao coin, although a subsidiary coin at the time, was still exquisite. Carefully observe whether Sun Yat-sen's hair strands are distinct, whether the double flag pattern on the reverse is clear, and whether the strokes of the English letters are clean and crisp. Genuine coins have deep lettering and a flat field; counterfeit coins often have blurry lettering, feathered edges, or sand holes.
Key Factors Affecting the buyback price of Old Silver Coins
Many customers ask, "How much is my silver coin worth?" In fact, the price of silver dollar buyback is not fixed and mainly depends on the following core factors:
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Condition: This is the most important factor. A "full condition" silver coin with original luster, no nicks, and no cleaning can be worth several times more than a cleaned or heavily worn circulating silver coin.
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Variety: There are multiple varieties of the Double Flag Two Jiao, such as different English lettering styles and edge differences. Special rare varieties often fetch high-prices in auction markets.
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Grading: Silver coins certified and encapsulated by international authoritative grading agencies (such as PCGS, NGC) or reputable domestic agencies (such as Gongbo, Baocui) typically have higher market liquidity and value due to guaranteed authenticity and grade.
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Free Instant Valuation: Unsure about the value of your silver coin? Contact us directly with clear photos for a preliminary quote.
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Cash buyback: We reference international precious metal trends and real-time market conditions for coin collecting to ensure you receive a fair cashing price.
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Physical Store Guarantee: Unlike virtual online buyers, we have physical operating channels, ensuring a more secure transaction process and preventing fraud risks.
Expert Tip: If you have such Republic of China silver coins at home, it is advisable not to clean them yourself (especially with toothpaste or acidic liquids), as this will severely damage the original patina and significantly reduce the collection's value. Maintaining its original condition and seeking professional assessment is the best way to protect your assets.
The Sun Yat-sen Founding Commemorative Coin with the double flag on the reverse, as one of the important currencies of the early Republic of China, has distinct characteristics. The following is a detailed description of its features:
This silver coin has a diameter of approximately 24 mm and weighs approximately 5.3 grams, with a rigorous and exquisite overall design style. The obverse center features a double flag pattern tied with a thin ribbon, with the eighteen-star flag on the left and the five-color flag on the right, symbolizing the political landscape and national unity during the Republic of China period. Above the double flags, "Republic of China" (Republic of China) is engraved, and below it, "collector itemcommemorativecoin" (Founding Commemorative Coin) is inscribed, with floral motifs on both sides, adding a touch of elegance. The reverse features a lifelike side portrait of the great revolutionary pioneer Sun Yat-sen, with "MEMENTO" engraved above in English and "BIRTH OF REPUBLIC OF CHINA" below, highlighting its international perspective and historical significance. In addition, the coin's edge reeding is neat and uniform, and the engraving is meticulous, further enhancing its artistic and collection value.
To quickly find out if your Sun Xiaotou old silver coin, Republic of China Founding Commemorative Coin with double flag, is eligible for buyback, please provide clear photos of the reverse, edge, patina details, and grading slab. Hong Kang will assess based on the edge, patina, wear, and grading, and will not treat coins of the same or similar style as having the same flat rate.