China Yunnan Silver Tael and Half Tael 1943

These coins were struck in French Indo China (Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos today) for use in the opium trade. There are two sizes:

TAEL: about 42 mm diameter, about 34 grams
HALF TAEL: about 36 mm diameter, about 18.5 grams

Interestingly, the denomination, tael or half tael, barely affects the collectibility of these coins. So the price is about the same regardless of denomination.

What makes a big difference is the state of preservation, or condition. Pristine coins are worth a bundle. Most circulated coins are worth far less. Approximately:

TAEL AND HALF TAEL:
worn: $100 US dollars approximate catalog value
average circulated: $300
well preserved: $1000
fully uncirculated: $3500

As an example of price variation with condition, consider the close-up images of these two coins:

The upper coin is fully uncirculated with almost no imperfections except a few minor hairline scratches around 4:00 o'clock. It has full, creamy mint luster, with superb eye appeal. This coin comes from Stack's Bowers Ponterio and sold for $2700 US dollars during a 2016 auction. If there were no hairline scratches, it would probably bring $5000. In contrast, the lower coin has wear and numerous small scratches. It is a $400 coin.
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