I think I got an authentic 1912 Szechuan dollar in uncirculated condition. I’m quite happy with the purchase as long as it is real. I gave it a ring test by placing the coin on my finger tip & tapping it with a pencil. The coin rings like a stressed-out struck coin. I gave it the super-magnet test & it is not attracted to a magnet. I inspected the denticles and the reeding. Both look sharp & complete. The toning on the coin is consistent with a silver coin that has been in the care of a coin collector for 100 years. Although I didn’t buy it from Dr. Saslow, he was kind enough to weigh & inspected it for me. He compared the reeding to another China dollar & after some contemplation he said that he believed it to be genuine. I finally bought the coin and I’m showing it to all of you now. Do you think I got a good coin?
Hi Collect. Nice coin. Please tell us: Is there something special about this coin if it is real? Very rare or hard to find uncirculated? Enlighten me! Just curious as I know nothing about Szechuan, aside from the delicious food.
My KM Catalog lists it at $55 in EF and $300 in UNC. I'm told that they are quite sought-after in uncirculated condition and sell for "much more". How much more I do not know. An AU55 sold on Heritage in September for $460. I only know this because it was part of my homework before I bought the coin. P.S. I suspect the high prices are the result of more Chinese collectors wanting high grade examples of their countries earlier coinage. This has been the trend for China coins for some time I think.
I have forgotten now. I will get fresh measurements for you when it is possible. Right now the coin is inaccessible at the bank. I may have the measurements written on the original coin holder which I'll check tonight.
Should be ok. Pretty nice coin really. I have one in my collection but it has some funky toning on it. Record says that it weighted at 25.7g.
