Guangxu Tongbao (Machine-Struck Cash)
Country of Origin: China (Qing Dynasty)
Year of Issue: 1887-1908
Denomination: 1 Cash (1 Wen)
Composition: Brass / Copper alloy
Brief Description
A circular brass coin with a square center hole and machine-struck inscriptions on both sides.
Historical Significance
Issued during the reign of the Guangxu Emperor, these coins represent the transition from traditional sand-casting to modern Western machine-striking methods in China. This was a response to the debasement and inefficiency of the provincial minting system.
Estimated Value
$5-$15 for common circulated examples; $40-$100+ for high-grade or rare mint varieties.
Care Instructions
Do not clean or scrub the coin, as this destroys the original patina. Store in a PVC-free flip or archival-safe coin holder to prevent environmental damage.
Mint Mark
Boo-Guang (Guangdong Mint)
Mintage & Rarity
Common for this specific mint; however, machine-struck cash is generally more sought after than cast counterparts.
Weight & Diameter
Approx. 2.5g - 3.0g and 22mm - 24mm
Edge
Plain
Apparent Grade
Fine to Very Fine with some visible oxidation and surface wear; details of the Manchu characters are well-preserved.
Obverse (Front)
Four Hanzi characters: 'Guang Xu Tong Bao' (Currency of the Guangxu period) read Top-Bottom-Right-Left.
Reverse (Back)
Two Manchu characters flanking the center square hole representing the mint name. The left character 'Boo' (Source) and the right character 'Guang' (Guangdong Province).
What Drives This Coin's Value
Mint location, weight variation (larger 'standard' vs. smaller 'light' issues), and the sharpness of the machine-struck details.
Similar Coins
Easily confused with central government cast coins of the same era, but machine-struck versions have sharper, more uniform edges and characters.
Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags
Look for crisp edges on the center square hole. Modern cast fakes often have 'soft' or rounded characters and a pitted surface texture.
Notable Varieties & Errors
Small variations in character stroke width and the proximity of the characters to the rim.
Created At: 2026-06-03T22:05:47.144642