China 1/2, 1, and 2 Fen (with Spade Coin; Shi Kwan) 1936 to 1948

Aren't coins from China really neat? These low denomination coins with an ancient spade coin on the reverse augment the higher denomination coins which carry a portrait instead of the sun pattern on the obverse. (Note: obverse = 'heads side', see this page [Click Here] for the higher denomination coins.)

1/2 FEN: 19 mm approximate diameter
1 FEN YEAR 29: 15 mm diameter
1 FEN YEAR 37: 19 mm diameter
1 FEN ALUMINUM (no sunburst): 15 mm diamter
1 FEN 'SHI KWAN' (see below): 19 mm diameter
2 FEN YEAR 28 (1939): 25 mm diameter
2 FEN YEAR 29 (1940): 19 mm diameter



As you can see in the listing of diameters above, it is important to understand how to read the date of the coin. Use the graphics on this page to do so. The date in our example is written from right to left as 2 (times 10) plus 8. Note also that there are variations from bronze to aluminum, overall pattern, and border design, as well as diameter. One of our secondary pictures shows the aluminum design, which was minted only in year 29 (1940).



As to the value of these coins, none are super valuable except the shi kwan specimen shown in our last picture of the page. For other coins (not shi kwan), approximate catalog values run like this:

1/2 FEN (1/2 CENT)
worn: less than $1 US dollar approximate catalog value
average circulated: $2
well preserved: $5
fully uncirculated: $10

1 FEN (1 CENT) ALUMINUM
worn: less than $1 US dollar approximate catalog value
average circulated: $1
well preserved: $2
fully uncirculated: $4

1 FEN (1 CENT) YEAR 29
worn: less than $1 US dollar approximate catalog value
average circulated: $1
well preserved: $3
fully uncirculated: $6

1 FEN (1 CENT) YEAR 37
worn: $1 US dollar approximate catalog value
average circulated: $10
well preserved: $20
fully uncirculated: $30

2 FEN (2 CENTS) YEAR 28
worn: $3 US dollar approximate catalog value
average circulated: $15
well preserved: $30
fully uncirculated: $60

2 FEN (2 CENTS) YEAR 29
worn: less than $1 US dollar approximate catalog value
average circulated: $1
well preserved: $2
fully uncirculated: $4

1 FEN YEAR 28 SHI KWAN (pictured)
worn: $15 US dollar approximate catalog value
average circulated: $60
well preserved: $140
fully uncirculated: $220

All these values are catalog values. Use the Terminology page to properly interpret them.
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