Tael Pattern Chinese Silver Ingot
Coin/Bullion · Unknown Chinese silversmithing workshop; likely a regional mercantile bank or private foundry in mid-20th century China.
Pattern: Traditional Tael (Sycee-style evolution), specifically a minor rectangular bar form.
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
Unknown Chinese silversmithing workshop; likely a regional mercantile bank or private foundry in mid-20th century China.
Material
Likely high-grade silver (approx. .900 to .980 purity). Ingot silver from this era often contains trace copper or lead depending on the refinement method.
Dimensions
Estimated 4-5 cm in length; weight likely corresponds to a standard 1 Tael (approx. 37.5 grams) or a fraction thereof.
Description
A utilitarian Chinese silver ingot, or 'sycee' derivative, cast into a rectangular bar. Unlike the elaborate 'boat' sycees, these smaller bars were meant for everyday commerce and storage. It possesses a heavy grey-gold patina from decades of oxidation.
Key Features
The two vertical Chinese character stamps and the tapered, cast-mold shape with rounded-off ends.
Material & Composition
Likely high-grade silver (approx. .900 to .980 purity). Ingot silver from this era often contains trace copper or lead depending on the refinement method.
Finish & Decoration
Matte, oxidized surface with significant tarnish and environmental patina. Features two incised characters near the base, likely denoting weight or merchant house.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Contains two hand-stamped or incised Chinese characters (often read as 'Zu Yin' for pure silver or specific monetary denominations). No Western hallmarks or assay marks are present.
Construction Details
Cast in a mold with hand-finished edges and manually struck stamps while the metal was cooling or cold-struck shortly after.
Functional Features
Used as a store of value, trade currency, or ritual offering. No mechanical features; purely a bullion object.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A - This is a solid cast ingot with no handles or grips.
Craftsmanship Details
Rough, artisanal casting typical of provincial bullion; the value lies in the metal purity and historical context rather than fine aesthetic detail.
Authentication Indicators
The irregular casting texture and hand-struck characters are consistent with authentic period bullion. However, the lack of a 'trough' in the center suggests it may be a later trade bar rather than a classic sycee.
Origin & Manufacturing
China, regional provincial workshop. Traditional metallurgical methods involving open-mold casting.
Era & Period
Republic of China Era (early to mid-20th century) or late Qing Dynasty transition; characterized by the use of weight-based silver for trade before full standardization.
Age Estimate
Circa 1900-1940. The patina and character style suggest pre-Revolutionary commercial silver.
Cultural Significance
Represents the transition between ancient weight-based currency systems and modern coinage; central to the 'Silver Standard' economy of historical East Asia.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Significant surface oxidation (sulfide/tarnish), some pitting, and minor abrasions. The character stamps remain legible.
Value Estimate
$50 - $150 USD, depending on confirmed weight and specific identification of the characters.
Care & Maintenance
Do not polish. In bullion collecting, the original 'skin' or patina is vital for valuation. Store in a PVC-free plastic flip or a dry, velvet-lined box.
Similar Pieces
Hong Kong 'Biscuit' bars or Japanese silver Bu coins; differentiated by the specific rectangular taper and use of ink-like incised characters.
Interesting Facts
Silver taels were the primary method of high-value payment in China for centuries because the government did not issue high-denomination silver coins until late in the 19th century.