10 Cash - Guangxu 'KIANG-SI', Manchu: Boo-chang, brass

Uitgever Kiangsi Province
Jaar 1902
Type Standard circulation coin
Waarde 10 Cash (0.01)
Valuta Yuan (1902-1949)
Samenstelling Brass
Gewicht
Diameter 28 mm
Dikte
Vorm Round
Techniek Milled
Oriëntatie Medal alignment ↑↑
Graveur(s)
In omloop tot
Referentie(s) Y#150a
Beschrijving voorzijde 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.
Schrift voorzijde Chinese, Mongolian / Manchu
Opschrift voorzijde 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))
Beschrijving keerzijde Dragon with pearl at centre surrounded by English legend.
Schrift keerzijde Latin
Opschrift keerzijde KIANG-SI 10 CASH
Rand Smooth.
Muntplaats
Oplage 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
Aanvullende informatie

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.

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