© Stacks Bowers
© Stacks Bowers
50 Fen - Guangxu Pattern
37 (1900) year| Silver | 13.60 g | 31 mm |
| 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 | 50 Fen (0.50) |
| Currency | Peking Tael (1900) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 13.60 g |
| Diameter | 31 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-04 |
| Numista | N#243327 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 95% |
Reverse
Dragon with pearl at centre surrounded by English legend.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
PEKING
3 MACE AND 6 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).The pictured example is one of the 1947 restrikes, indicated by the pitted surfaces caused by rusted dies (which would have happened due to being stored in humid conditions for an unspecified amount of time before the restrikes were made).
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Pattern 50 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 was taking place between China and the West during the late Qing period.
