50 Fen - Guangxu Four characters
| Issuer | Chekiang Province |
|---|---|
| Year | 1898-1899 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 50 Fen (0.50) |
| Currency | Yuan (1896-1940) |
| Composition | Silver (.860) |
| Weight | 13.50 g |
| Diameter | |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | Y#54 |
| Obverse description | Four Chinese ideograms read top to bottom, right left with Manchu characters in the centre, all surrounded by more Chinese ideograms. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Chinese, Mongolian / Manchu |
| Obverse lettering |
造省江浙 光 ᠪᠠᡩᠠᡵᠠᠩᡤᠠ 寶 ᠶᡠᠸᠠᠨ ᠪᠣᠣ 元 ᡩᠣᡵᠣ 緒 分六錢三平庫 (Translation: Made in Chekiang Province Guangxu (Emperor) / Yuanbao (Original currency) Guangxu (Emperor) / Yuanbao (Original currency) Worth 3 Mace and 6 Candareens (weight)) |
| Reverse description | Dragon with pearl at centre surrounded by English legend. |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering | CHEH-KIANG PROVINCE 3 MACE AND 6 CANDAREENS |
| Edge | Reeded. |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
ND (1898-1899) - - |
| Numisquare ID | 1219776650 |
| Additional information |
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Historical Context: This 50 Fen silver coin was issued by Chekiang Province between 1898 and 1899, during the tumultuous reign of the Guangxu Emperor (1875-1908). This era saw imperial decline and significant foreign influence. Provincial minting, such as Chekiang's, represented a crucial localized effort to modernize currency and meet regional economic demands. These issues were vital for stabilizing local trade amidst a rapidly changing economic landscape.
Artistry: The coin's design masterfully blends traditional Chinese iconography with modern Western minting techniques. While specific engravers are often unrecorded, the work is attributed to skilled Chinese artisans. The obverse prominently features the Imperial Dragon, a powerful symbol of imperial authority, coiled amidst auspicious clouds. Surrounding Chinese legends identify the issuing province, the Guangxu reign, and the denomination. The reverse typically displays Manchu script alongside further Chinese characters.
Technical/Grading: Struck in .860 silver, weighing 13.50 grams, this coin's technical execution varies, typical for provincial mints. Key high-points for grading include the dragon's eye, intricate scales, and claw tips. Well-struck examples exhibit sharp detail in these areas and crispness in the legends. Collectors should seek full definition on the dragon's head and body. Weaker strikes often show flatness, particularly on the dragon's central features or outer legends, affecting overall visual appeal.