© Fritz Rudolf Künker GmbH & Co. KG, Osnabrück and Lübke & Wiedemann KG, Leonberg
© Fritz Rudolf Künker GmbH & Co. KG, Osnabrück and Lübke & Wiedemann KG, Leonberg
5 Fen Pattern ND
1868 year| Silver | - | 14.5 mm |
| Issuer | Empire of China |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Qing dynasty › Tongzhi (同治帝) (1861-1875) |
| Type | Pattern |
| Year | 1868 |
| Value | 5 Fen (0.05) |
| Currency | Kwanping Tael (1868) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Diameter | 14.5 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-04 |
| Numista | N#243342 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Two Chinese ideograms within wreath.
Script: Chinese (traditional, regular script)
Lettering:
五
分
Translation:
Wu Fen
5 Fen
Comment
Not much was known about this series for a very long time, from the dates these were struck to the mints that struck them. The Berlin Mint, the Royal Mint, and the Osaka Mint had all been proposed, but it is now certain these come from the Royal Mint in London. The original dies were proposed in 1867, with the circulating coins meant to be struck at the Hong Kong Mint; however, that mint closed in 1868, and production never took place.These coins are thought to be an attempt at a national currency; however, it is theorized that these could have been intended to be used in trade with Korea, based on the design.
Interesting fact
The Pattern 5 Fen coin was designed by a French engraver named Charles F. M. de la Fosse, who was commissioned by the Chinese government to create a new currency for the country. The coin features a unique blend of traditional Chinese and Western design elements, with the obverse side bearing the Chinese characters for "Qianlong Tongbao" (乾隆通寶) and the reverse side featuring a phoenix surrounded by a wreath of flowers. This coin was never officially circulated, but it is still highly sought after by collectors today due to its historical significance and rarity.
