10 Cash - Guangxu 'KIANG-SI', Manchu: Boo-chang, brass
| Issuer | Kiangsi Province |
|---|---|
| Year | 1902 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 10 Cash (0.01) |
| Currency | Yuan (1902-1949) |
| Composition | Brass |
| Weight | |
| Diameter | 28 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | Y#150a |
| Obverse description | Four Chinese ideograms read top to bottom, right to left with flower in the centre, all with Manchu characters on either side and surrounded by more ideograms. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Chinese, Mongolian / Manchu |
| Obverse lettering |
造省西江 ᠪᠣᠣ ᠴᠠᠩ 光 寶元 緒 十當 (Translation: Made in Kiangsi Province Boo-chang (mint) Guangxu (Emperor) / Yuanbao (Original currency) Worth 10 (Cash)) |
| Reverse description | Dragon with pearl at centre surrounded by English legend. |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering | KIANG-SI 10 CASH |
| Edge | Smooth. |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
ND (1902) - Y#150.2a: Two stars at either side of dragon - ND (1902) - Y#150.4a: One star at either side of dragon - |
| Numisquare ID | 1570838660 |
| Additional information |
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Historical Context: The 1902 10 Cash coin from Kiangsi Province emerges from the tumultuous late Qing Dynasty under the Guangxu Emperor (1875-1908). China faced internal rebellions and foreign pressure, necessitating reform. Provincial mints, like Kiangsi's, modernized the monetary system, replacing traditional cast cash with machine-struck issues. The 10 Cash denomination represented a move towards standardized, decimalized currency, crucial for economic stability amidst upheaval.
Artistry: Specific engravers are unrecorded, but this coin exemplifies the Late Qing provincial stylistic school, blending traditional Chinese imperial iconography with modern minting. The obverse features "Guangxu Yuanbao" (光緒元寶) and "10 Wen" (十文) in Chinese characters. The reverse showcases a coiled dragon, symbol of imperial authority, encircled by "KIANG-SI" in English and the Manchu inscription "Boo-chang" (宝昌), signifying its provincial minting. The design reflects a transitional numismatic era.
Technical/Grading: Struck in brass (28mm), technical quality varies, typical of provincial mints. Key high-points for assessing strike and wear include the dragon's head, scales, claws, and central Chinese characters. A well-struck example exhibits sharp definition in the dragon's details and clear legibility of scripts. Weak strikes, often on the dragon's highest relief, and planchet imperfections are not uncommon, impacting grade. Wear typically appears first on the dragon's highest points.