10 Cash - Guangxu 'TSING-KIANG', without flower

Historical Context: This 10 Cash coin, issued in 1905 by the City of Chingkiang (Zhenjiang), reflects the tumultuous final years of the Qing Dynasty under the Guangxu Emperor. This era saw internal strife, foreign pressures, and modernization attempts. Decentralized coinage allowed cities like Chingkiang to establish local mints, issuing currency with varying designs for regional economic demands. The 'TSING-KIANG' inscription explicitly identifies its civic origin, characteristic of this period's diverse local issues.

Artistry: While engravers for these local issues are unrecorded, the coin's design exemplifies the late Qing machine-struck style. It integrates traditional imperial symbolism with modern minting techniques. The obverse features Manchu and Chinese characters for "Guangxu Tongbao" and "Ten Cash." The reverse showcases the imperial dragon, a potent symbol of sovereignty, encircled by 'TSING-KIANG' and the year. The specified absence of a floral motif indicates a focused, direct design, emphasizing core identifying elements.

Technical/Grading: For this copper coin (7.18 gg, 28 mm), technical strike quality is crucial. High-points for wear and strike include the dragon’s scales, whiskers, and claws on the reverse, and the clarity of central Manchu and outer Chinese legends on the obverse. A strong strike exhibits full, sharp details. Variations in planchet quality and strike consistency are common for this period and mint, impacting preservation. Evenness of strike and minimal die wear indicate higher numismatic grades.