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- Spot Silver Price: $32.31
Silver coins were in regular circulation in Imperial China. The values below represent the intrinsic value of silver coins from Imperial China.
Imperial China silver coins that are in uncirculated condition, or that may be rare and collectible may also have numismatic value. You can use this table as a guide when buying and selling circulated silver coins from Imperial China.
The melt values are calculated and displayed in USD based on the today's silver spot price of $32.31 per troy ounce.
| Denomination / Currency | Years Minted | Fineness | Gross Weight (g) | ASW (g) | ASW (oz t) | Melt Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 Cents | 1907- 1908 | .820 | 2.7 | 2.214 | 0.0712 | $2.30 |
| 10 Cents | 1910- 1910 | .650 | 3.2 | 2.080 | 0.0669 | $2.16 |
| 20 Cents | 1907- 1911 | .820 | 5.2 | 4.63 | 0.1488 | $4.81 |
| 25 Cents | 1910- 1910 | .800 | 6.7 | 5.36 | 0.1723 | $5.57 |
| 50 Cents | 1907- 1911 | .860 | 13.4 | 10.72 | 0.3447 | $11.14 |
| 1 Dollar | 1907- 1911 | .900 | 26.9 | 24.21 | 0.7784 | $25.15 |
Silver coins played a significant role in the economic history of Imperial China. From the early dynasties to the later periods, silver evolved as a medium of exchange and store of value. This article explores the history and significance of silver coins in Imperial China.
Before the widespread use of silver coins, China primarily relied on barter systems and bronze coins called "cash" coins. Silver was used sporadically and mainly in the form of ingots or sycee (silver ingots shaped like boats or shoes).
The Tang Dynasty saw the first substantial use of silver as a form of currency. Although bronze coins were still predominant, silver began to be used more frequently in trade, particularly in the southwestern regions of China, which had significant silver mines.
During the Song Dynasty, the use of silver in trade became more widespread. The government started to standardize silver ingots, which facilitated their use in larger transactions. Despite this, silver coins were still not commonly minted.
The Mongol-led Yuan Dynasty introduced paper money, which coexisted with silver and other metals. The use of silver ingots continued, but there was still no formal minting of silver coins. The dynasty's reliance on paper currency eventually led to inflation and economic issues.
The Ming Dynasty saw a significant increase in the use of silver. The government started to collect taxes in silver, which led to the increased circulation of silver ingots. However, silver coins were still not officially minted by the state.
The Qing Dynasty marked the formal introduction of silver coins. The government began to mint silver coins, known as "yuan" or "tael," to standardize currency and facilitate trade. These coins became widely used throughout the empire and played a crucial role in both domestic and international trade.