20 Fen - Guangxu (Pattern) 37 (1900) front 20 Fen - Guangxu (Pattern) 37 (1900) back
20 Fen - Guangxu (Pattern) 37 (1900) photo
© PCGS

20 Fen - Guangxu Pattern

37 (1900) year
Silver 5.50 g 23 mm
Description
Issuer
Empire of China
Emperor
Qing dynasty › Guangxu (光緒帝) (1875-1908)
Type
Pattern
Year
37 (1900)
Calendar
Chinese cyclical (cycle starting in 1864)
Value
20 Fen (0.20)
Currency
Peking Tael (1900)
Composition
Silver
Weight
5.50 g
Diameter
23 mm
Shape
Round
Technique
Milled
Orientation
Medal alignment ↑↑
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-04
References
Numista
N#243324
Rarity index
95%

Reverse

Dragon with pearl at centre surrounded by English legend.

Script: Latin

Lettering:
PEKING
1 MACE AND 4.4 CANDAREENS

Edge

Reeded.

Comment

The Peking Mint opened in 1899, and one later, these coins were minted as an attempt to establish a national silver currency. However, the Boxer Rebellion broke out that same year, which devistated Peking and destroyed the mint. Luckily, the original dies were saved, and restrikes were made in Hong Kong in 1947. While some actual patterns likely exist, most are restrikes (which are very rare themselves).

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about the Pattern 20 Fen - Guangxu (Pattern) 37 (1900) coin from the Empire of China is that it features a unique blend of traditional Chinese and Western design elements. The obverse side of the coin depicts the Guangxu Emperor in a traditional Chinese dragon robe, while the reverse side features a Western-style wreath surrounding the denomination and year of issue. This blending of design styles reflects the cultural exchange and influence that occurred between China and Western nations during the late Qing period.