Coin and Paper Money Collecting/Unknown Asian coins

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Expert: Brad Swain - 6/15/2010


Question

The Unknown coins
Hello,

Quite awhile ago I bought a set of 39 Asian coins at a garage sale. I've recently started to research them. The coins have the same characters on the front (I think), and only one has markings on the back. Keep in mind the coins in the image are physically two different coins. I would like to know what they are, and when and where they are from. I appreciate you taking the time out of your day to answer these questions.

Answer
Hi Scott, This is a cast brass Chinese 'cash' coin made by pouring molten metal into a mold. They were made for several centuries until 1911 and the Emperor's name and the mint name are the only writing on them. The more common ones are worth about a dollar or less based on amount of age and wear.
Try this site for more info: http://www.history.ucsb.edu/faculty/roberts/coins/index.html .
You might also try a library for a copy of the Standard Catalog of World Coins for pictures, values and lots more interesting info.
Brad

Brad Swain

Expertise

I have been a World Coin and Paper Money collector since about 1965. I will be glad to answer any questions you may have on World coins or currency, tokens, unusual or unknown pieces and attempt to give you estimates of value and historical information about them in a polite and prompt manner.

Experience

45 years collecting coins and paper money.

Education/Credentials
BA History, BA Geography - Virginia Tech

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