Expert: Brad Swain - 3/31/2010

Question
QUESTION: This coin looks like it is from China or Japan. Its about size of a U.S. Quarter and is coper or bronze. I have looked in my books but cant identify. Can you identify and estimate value?

ANSWER: Hi Fred, it shows the sun of the Chinese Republic (1912+) and used on some of its coins 1936-48.
This is likely a token and not a coin.
What is on the other side?
If you have clear pictures (not over 1 megabyte each please) you can email them to me at tbirde@psknet.com.
Brad

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for the quick response. Here is the other side of the coin/token. Let me know if it changes your answer.
Thanks

Answer
Hi Fred, sorry for the delay. It is listed under Fengtien province or Manchurian provinces (under China) depending on which edition of the Standard Catalog of World Coins (try a library) you use. It is a copper 1 fen dated year 18 of the Republic (1929). Collector value may be worth about .30 with heavy wear to around $3 with moderate wear to maybe $5 with light wear to perhaps $25 if uncirculated (no wear).
You might try Ebay.com for similar pieces for comparison.
Brad