5 Cash - Guangxu An-hwei

Historical Context: The 1902 Anhwei 5 Cash coin hails from the tumultuous late Qing Dynasty under the Guangxu Emperor. This era saw China contending with internal unrest and foreign encroachment, necessitating economic reforms. Provincial mints, including Anhwei, began issuing modern, machine-struck copper coinage to standardize currency and facilitate commerce, marking a crucial departure from traditional cast cash issues. This denomination reflected the evolving monetary system and provincial autonomy.

Artistry: While specific engravers for provincial issues like Anhwei are seldom recorded, the coin's artistry blends traditional Chinese symbolism with modern minting techniques. The obverse prominently features the imperial dragon, a powerful emblem of sovereignty, depicted in a coiled, dynamic posture characteristic of late Qing provincial coinage. The reverse typically presents Manchu and Chinese characters identifying the province "An-hwei," the denomination "5 Cash," and the reign era "Guangxu," executed with clarity.

Technical/Grading: Key high-points for assessing strike quality include the intricate scales, whiskers, and claws of the dragon, along with the distinctness of the "pearl" it pursues. On the reverse, the sharpness of the Manchu and Chinese characters is paramount. Strikes from provincial mints varied; premium examples exhibit full detail on the dragon's body and head, with clear, well-formed characters. Weakness is often observed on the dragon's central body or outermost character strokes, indicating less robust striking pressure.