© Stacks Bowers
© Stacks Bowers
20 Cash Hunan-Hupeh Soviet; countermarked ND
1931 year| Copper | 10.14 g | 32 mm |
| Issuer | Republic of China |
|---|---|
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 1931 |
| Value | 20 Cash (0.02) |
| Currency | Soviet Hubei-Honan-Anhui |
| Composition | Copper |
| Weight | 10.14 g |
| Diameter | 32 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-04 |
| Numista | N#297986 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Dragon with pearl at centre with English legend above and below.
Lettering:
HU POO
20 CASH
Translation: Ministry of Revenue
Edge
Plain
Comment
Some of these pieces were picked from bags containing 30'000 coins put aside during World War II as the Japanese were melting Chinese coppers for the war effort. Only around 100 countermarked pieces were found in those bags, with around 20 percent having clear countermarks.Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it was issued during a time of great political turmoil in China. The Hunan-Hupeh Soviet was a short-lived Soviet republic established in 1931 during the Chinese Civil War, and this coin was likely issued as a form of local currency for the Soviet. The fact that it was countermarked suggests that it was issued by a local authority or organization, and its copper composition and relatively low weight suggest that it was intended for everyday use by the general population. Despite its origins in a time of political upheaval, this coin remains a fascinating piece of numismatic history.
