50 Yuan Founding of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region

Historical Context: Issued in 2018 by the People's Republic of China, this 50 Yuan silver coin commemorates the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Established on March 5, 1958, Guangxi represents a significant component of China's policy towards ethnic minorities, granting a degree of self-governance to the Zhuang people, the largest minority group in China. The coin underscores the PRC's commitment to national unity while acknowledging regional cultural distinctiveness and the historical development of its administrative divisions within the modern Chinese state.

Artistry: The artistic execution adheres to the established conventions of modern Chinese commemorative coinage. The obverse invariably features the national emblem of the People's Republic of China, symbolizing national unity and sovereignty. The reverse design, while not attributed to a specific engraver, typically depicts iconic cultural, architectural, or natural landmarks of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. These are rendered with a blend of traditional Chinese aesthetic principles and contemporary numismatic artistry, emphasizing intricate detail and thematic relevance. Individual engraver signatures are not customary for such national commemorative issues.

Technical/Grading: This substantial proof coin, weighing 150 grams and measuring 70 mm in .999 fine silver, demands meticulous grading. High points on the obverse include the intricate details of the Tiananmen Gate and the stars within the national emblem, where rub or hairlines would first manifest. On the reverse, the highest relief elements of the Guangxi commemorative design are particularly susceptible to contact marks. The expansive, polished proof fields are highly prone to hairlines, fingerprints, and minor scuffs. Its soft silver composition further increases vulnerability to rim dings and incidental bag marks, all significantly impacting grade.