China Anhwei (An-Hwei) Silver Coins 1897

Chinese dragon coins are enjoying strong popularity with collectors and that makes their value high. Conversion of the monetary units goes like this:

3.6 candareens = 5 cents
7.2 candareens = 10 cents
1 mace and 4.4 candareens = 20 cents
3 mace and 6 candareens = 50 cents
7 mace and 2 candareens = 1 dollar

It is difficult to put accurate values on these coins for two reasons. First, Chinese collecting is in its infancy and the catalogers are playing catch up with market trends. This makes catalog values inaccurate. Second, there are numerous subtle differences from coin to coin, and sometimes those differences can easily double a coin's value.

We recommend owners of such coins seek out reliable collectors and dealers to evaluate their holdings. The listing below is not accurate, but a best guess at approximate values. As always with valuable coins, and especially Chinese coins, counterfeits abound. Never buy a coin like this from someone you do not trust, even if the price sounds too good to be true.

The coin in our picture comes from the private collection of KONDi at China-Mint.info. KONDi is an expert in Chinese coins and on the referenced page he develops some detailed diagnostics for detecting counterfeits. Please read KONDi's page at this link.

Here are some very rough estimates of catalog values:

5 CENTS (3.6 candareens)
worn: $20 US dollars approximate catalog value
average circulated: $80
well preserved: $140
fully uncirculated: $300

10 CENTS (7.2 candareens)
worn: $5
average circulated: $20
well preserved: $40
fully uncirculated: $80

20 CENTS (1 mace and 4.4 candareens)
worn: $5
average circulated: $20
well preserved: $40
fully uncirculated: $80

50 CENTS (3 mace and 6 candareens)
worn: $50
average circulated: $100
well preserved: $180
fully uncirculated: $800

1 DOLLAR (7 mace and 2 candareens)
worn: $100
average circulated: $300
well preserved: $700
fully uncirculated: $2200

Apply the concepts on our Terminology page to convert the catalog values above to actual values.
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