2 Fen / 2 Cents Copper

Historical Context: The 1930 Szechuan 2 Fen copper coin emerges from China's tumultuous Republican era, specifically the Warlord Era. Szechuan Province operated with significant autonomy under local warlords, contributing to a fragmented national currency system. This provincial issue underscores economic decentralization and the necessity for localized coinage to facilitate commerce amidst widespread political instability, reflecting the challenges faced by the nascent Republic.

Artistry: The design of this 2 Fen coin exemplifies a blend of traditional Chinese iconography with practical numismatic requirements. While specific engravers are typically unrecorded for these provincial issues, the stylistic school leans towards a robust, locally-influenced interpretation. The obverse prominently features a coiled dragon, a powerful and auspicious symbol. The reverse displays Chinese characters for the denomination and year, often with "2 CENTS" in English, signifying increasing international trade.

Technical/Grading: For grading, key high-points on the 2 Fen dragon design include the dragon's head, individual scales, and prominent claws. The Chinese characters' raised edges are also critical strike areas. Technical strike quality for Szechuan provincial issues of this period can be variable; expect potential softness in the intricate details of the dragon or outer legends due to less advanced minting technology. Planchet quality may show minor irregularities. Full original luster, if present, would manifest as a cartwheel effect, though surface corrosion is common for these copper pieces.