Jim M. writes: I have some coins my dad found in China when he was there in 1925 or so. One is a commemorative coin with the words “Memento * Birth of Republic of China” on it, with the face of a chinese man on the front. Also, “Kuang Nan Province — 7 mace and 2 candarens” with a dragon on the front. Both coins are about the size if a silver dollar, and by weight and color may be silver. I have no idea as to their value or rarity, and would appreciate some help deciding if I have anything of value. There are also come other copper coins, but I could not possibly describe them. My dad was stationed in China around this time, and they have been in a little coin box ever since. I used to play with them as a child, but have since just kept them around as a keekpsake. Any help would be greatly appreciated, and hope you can help. Thanks, Jim
Both coins are silver. The man on the Obverse is Sun Yat-sen, the “George Washington” of the Republic of China. The coin was minted in 1912 and there are several varieties. It is a popular coin among modern China collectors and even average condition examples bring $100 or so.
I think you mean Kiangnan Province. The 7 mace and 2 candareens (dollar) was minted from 1901-1904 and there are lots of varieties. Values range from about $15-$2,000 depending on grade and variety.
