Xianfeng Tongbao / Yuanbao Large Cash Coin with Dragons

China (Qing Dynasty) · 1851-1861

A round cast-metal coin with a square central hole, featuring Chinese character legends surrounded by raised relief coiling dragons on both sides.

Country: China (Qing Dynasty)
Year: 1851-1861
Denomination: Dang Wu Shi (Value 50)
Metal: Brass or Bronze

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.

Identified August 23, 2026More china (qing dynasty) coins →

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Overview

A round cast-metal coin with a square central hole, featuring Chinese character legends surrounded by raised relief coiling dragons on both sides.

Historical significance

Issued during the reign of the Xianfeng Emperor amid the financial strains of the Taiping Rebellion, necessitating the emergency introduction of large denomination high-face-value cash coins.

Obverse (front)

Features the four Chinese characters 'Xian Feng Zhong Bao' (Xianfeng Heavy Currency) arranged clockwise or top-bottom-right-left around the central square hole, set against a textured field with coiling dragons.

Reverse (back)

Features the denomination 'Dang Wu Shi' (Value 50) in Chinese characters above and below the square hole, with Manchu script on the sides, surrounded by raised coiling dragons.

Estimated value

$10 - $50 (Modern replica/fantasy pieces with dragons are very common and usually valued around $5-$15 as curiosities, whereas genuine high-denomination period pieces can command significantly more)

What drives this coin's value

Authenticity, weight, metal composition, presence of genuine Qing dynasty wear versus modern casting seams or artificial patination.

Grade assessment

Replica or modern fantasy cast (appears as a newly made decorative piece with bright raised highlights and dark recessed fields)

Mintage & rarity

Variable; many large denomination coins and dragon-adorned varieties were minted in limited official quantities or exist as later commemorative/fantasy charms.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Check for modern casting flaws, file marks, incorrect weight, or overly bright brass highlights that indicate a modern replica or fantasy piece rather than a genuine circulation issue.