Free Chinese Coin Identifier
Identify Chinese coins — from ancient cash coins to Republic era and People's Republic coinage. Powered by AI — completely free, no sign-up required.
About This Tool
Chinese coinage has a history of over 2,500 years, spanning the Zhou Dynasty cash coins, the first standardised round copper cash coins of the Qin Dynasty, the long succession of Imperial dynasty coinage, the turbulent Republic era (1912–1949), the early People's Republic, and modern Chinese coinage including the famous Gold and Silver Panda bullion series. Our Chinese Coin Identifier reads Chinese characters on the obverse and reverse to identify the dynasty, reign name, denomination, and mint.
📸 Tips for Best Results
- ✓Cash coins: identify the reign title (in Chinese characters) on the obverse — four characters give the dynasty and reign name
- ✓Republic-era coins: often have Sun Yat-sen or Yuan Shikai portraits
- ✓PRC coins: identify by the national emblem (Tiananmen Gate) or denomination in characters
- ✓Chinese Panda coins: issued annually since 1982 — the panda design changes each year
- ✓Square hole cash coins: the square hole is standard — the inscription and style indicate the dynasty
🏛️ Fascinating Facts
- •China has been issuing coins for over 2,500 years — longer than almost any other civilisation
- •The first standardised circular Chinese coins were issued by the Qin Dynasty around 221 BCE after unification
- •Cash coins with a square hole were issued in China continuously from the Qin Dynasty (221 BCE) to the Qing Dynasty (1912 CE) — over 2,100 years
- •The Chinese Gold Panda coin has changed its design every year since 1982 (with one exception in 2002 and 2001)
- •The 1919 Yuan Shikai Dollar (known as the 'Fat Man Dollar') is one of the most collected Republic-era coins
Upload Photo
Photograph both sides of the coin on a dark background
AI Analyses
Our AI examines design, lettering, size, and metal
Full Details
Country, year, denomination, mint mark, and estimated value
Frequently Asked Questions
Can it read Chinese characters on coins?
Yes — the AI reads Chinese, traditional Chinese, and seal script characters used on historic cash coins, and can identify reign names, dynasties, and denominations.
Are Chinese cash coins valuable?
Common cash coins are worth very little — pennies to a few dollars. Rare dynasty coins, unusual types, and high-quality specimens command significant premiums.
Ready to identify your coin?
Upload a photo now — completely free, no sign-up, instant results.
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