Tael Silver Ingot (Sycee), likely late Qing Dynasty / early Republic of China
Coin/Bullion (Traditional Ingot) · Unknown regional Chinese silversmith or private bank; typical of localized monetary production in pre-modern China.
Pattern: Non-patterned commercial bullion; specific to the 'Tael' system of weights and measures.
Type
Coin/Bullion (Traditional Ingot)
Maker
Unknown regional Chinese silversmith or private bank; typical of localized monetary production in pre-modern China.
Material
Assumed High-Purity Silver (roughly .900 to .980 fineness), often referred to as 'Sincere Silver' or 'Sycee'.
Dimensions
Estimated 30-50 grams based on visual scale; likely a one-tael variant (standard tael is approx. 37.5g). Length approx. 3-4 cm/1.5 inches.
Description
A dense, rectangular silver bullion bar known as a Tael Ingot. These pieces served as the backbone of the Chinese monetary system before the widespread adoption of silver dollars. The item showcases heavy dark oxidation ('patina') and two distinct merchant stamps, which served as a guarantee of purity in a non-standardized economy.
Key Features
Rectangular tapered form; double chop marks in Chinese characters; distinctive 'dark' tarnishing common to high-purity excavated or long-stored silver.
Material & Composition
Assumed High-Purity Silver (roughly .900 to .980 fineness), often referred to as 'Sincere Silver' or 'Sycee'.
Finish & Decoration
Rustic, utilitarian cast finish with visible cooling ripples and oxidation. Two impressed stamps (chops) in Chinese characters denote the maker or town.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Two character-based 'chop marks' near the base, denoting the assaying bank, silversmith name, or tax office. No Western standard hallmarks.
Construction Details
Sand-cast or mold-cast; primitive cooling method resulting in characteristic 'crevices' or cellular surface textures on top/bottom.
Functional Features
Used as currency for large transactions and tax payments; no mechanical features. Ingot form was designed for easy stacking and weighing.
Handle & Grip Details
None; solid bullion form designed for weight-based valuation.
Craftsmanship Details
Crude but functional casting. The depth and clarity of the hand-struck stamps indicate the piece was authorized for official or high-level trade use.
Authentication Indicators
Authentic character styling for the era; wear patterns consistent with use in commerce; lack of modern machine-precision edges.
Origin & Manufacturing
China, likely from a provincial workshop or local treasury. Traditional casting methods pre-dating mechanized mints.
Era & Period
Late Qing Dynasty to Early Republic of China (late 19th century to early 20th century).
Age Estimate
Circa 1880-1920, based on the rectangular bar form which replaced more ornate 'boat' sycees in some regions.
Cultural Significance
Represents the transition between ancient weight-based currency and modern minted coinage; highly symbolic of wealth and financial history in East Asia.
Condition Notes
Fair to Good. Heavy oxidation and surface pitting are present, which is common for trade silver. No evidence of modern cleaning, which preserves historical value.
Value Estimate
$100 - $300 USD, depending on the specific translation of the stamps and the verifiable weight in grams.
Care & Maintenance
Do NOT polish. Historical bullion value relies on the original patina. Store in a dry, acid-free environment to prevent further deep corrosion.
Similar Pieces
Boat-shaped 'Shoes' (Sycee), Saddle-shaped ingots (Pai-fang-ting), or early Yuan Shikai 'Fatman' Silver Dollars.
Interesting Facts
Silver was the primary currency of China for centuries; the term 'Sycee' comes from the Cantonese 'sai-si', meaning 'fine silk', referring to the silk-like quality of high-purity silver.