Catalog
| Issuer | Sinkiang Province |
|---|---|
| Year | 1905 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 5 Mithqual (0.5) |
| Currency | |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 17.20 g |
| Diameter | 32 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | Y#21, Y#21.1-2, Y#21.7 |
| Obverse description | Four Chinese ideograms read top to bottom, right to left with flower at the centre, all with more ideograms above and below and with Arabic legend at either side. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | |
| Obverse lettering |
什喀 بش مثقال ١٣٢٣ - كاشنو ب 光 寶元 緒 錢伍 (Translation: Kashgar Kashgar Mint / 5 Mithqual 1323 Guangxu (Emperor) / Yuanbao (Original currency) 5 Mithqual) |
| Reverse description | Dragon with pearl at centre. |
| Reverse script | |
| Reverse lettering | |
| Edge | |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
1323 (1905) - Y#21: ١٣٢٣ (date at upper left) - 1323 (1905) - Y#21.1: ١٣٢٣ (date at lower right) - 1323 (1905) - Y#21.2: ١٣٢٣ (date at lower right; inverted Arabic legend) - 1323 (1905) - Y#21.7: ١٣٢٣ (date at upper right) - |
| Numisquare ID | 1008389610 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: This 5 Mithqual silver coin, issued in 1905 by Sinkiang Province under the Guangxu Emperor, represents a critical juncture in late Qing China. Kashgar, a vital Silk Road city, maintained regional autonomy while acknowledging imperial authority. The "Mithqual" denomination reflects the region's strong Islamic cultural and economic ties, distinguishing it from standard Chinese currency. The "official Wu" inscription likely denotes a local mint master, highlighting localized control over coinage production in this strategically significant frontier province.
Artistry: The coin's design features a specific "tail right" dragon, a common imperial motif symbolizing power, yet rendered with regional stylistic nuances typical of provincial mints. While the engraver is unrecorded, the artistry reflects local craftsmanship under "official Wu's" oversight, blending traditional Chinese imperial iconography with regional stylistic nuances. The precise orientation of the dragon's tail is a key diagnostic feature for varieties within the Y#21 series.
Technical/Grading: Struck in silver with a weight of 17.20 grams and a diameter of 32 mm, this coin's technical quality can vary. High points for wear and strike weakness include the dragon's head, scales, and claws, and the raised characters on the reverse. Provincial mints like Kashgar often produced coins with inconsistent strikes, leading to areas of flatness, especially at the rims or on high relief. Planchet quality may also show minor irregularities, common for the era and location.