Obverse

Reverse

1 Cash

Kuang-hsü T'ung-pao (Guangxu Tongbao)

China - Qing Dynasty · 1875-1908

A cast brass machine-struck cash coin with a square central hole, featuring Manchu and Chinese characters.

Country: China - Qing Dynasty
Year: 1875-1908
Denomination: 1 Cash
Metal: Brass (copper-zinc alloy)

This report is AI-generated and can be wrong. Always verify grade, authenticity, and value with a qualified dealer or certified grading service before buying, selling, or insuring.

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Overview

A cast brass machine-struck cash coin with a square central hole, featuring Manchu and Chinese characters.

Historical significance

Issued during the reign of the Guangxu Emperor, this period marked the transition from traditional hand-cast coins to machine-struck (milled) coinage in China to combat the inflation and debasement of previous eras.

Obverse (front)

Four Chinese characters read top-to-bottom, right-to-left: 'Kuang-hsü T'ung-pao' (Guangxu Currency).

Reverse (back)

Two Manchu script characters indicating the mint: 'Boo' on the left and 'Kwang' on the right, referring to Kwangtung province.

Estimated value

$1 - $10 (Common variety, circulated), $20+ (Rare variety or uncirculated grade)

What drives this coin's value

Most common examples are inexpensive, though specific mint varieties (like machine-struck vs cast) or high grade specimens command premiums.

Grade assessment

Very Fine or Extremely Fine (VF/XF); shows clear characters with some minor surface patina and light wear.

Mintage & rarity

Common; many millions produced

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Check for crispness of characters and metal composition; modern replicas for feng shui or souvenirs are often crude or magnetic.

Notable varieties & errors

Small vs large characters, and variations in the Manchu script for the mint name.

Similar coins

Easily confused with other Qing dynasty cash coins (such as those of Qianlong or Kangxi); distinguished by the 'Guangxu' reign title on the obverse.

Care & preservation

Store in PVC-free flips or capsules. Do not clean or polish, as this destroys the natural patina and reduces numismatic value.

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Overview

Historical significance

Obverse (front)

Reverse (back)

Estimated value

What drives this coin's value

Grade assessment

Mintage & rarity

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Notable varieties & errors

Similar coins

Care & preservation

Other china - qing dynasty coins

Learn about Kuang-hsü T'ung-pao (Guangxu Tongbao) in the encyclopedia