1902–1905 China – Hupeh Province
Water Dragon 10 Cash | NGC AU 55 BN
Offered here is a Hupeh Province Water Dragon 10 Cash coin, issued during the late Qing Dynasty between 1902 and 1905. Certified by NGC as AU 55 BN, this coin represents an important period of monetary reform and modernization in China before the fall of imperial rule.
Historical Background
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Qing Dynasty began replacing traditional cast cash coins with modern machine-struck coinage. Provincial mints throughout China produced new denominations featuring Western-style designs while retaining important Chinese symbols and inscriptions.
Hupeh Province (modern Hubei Province), located in central China along the Yangtze River, was one of the most important economic and industrial regions of the Qing Empire. The Hupeh mint became one of the major producers of modern Chinese copper and silver coinage.
This coin was issued during the final decade of the Qing Dynasty, a time marked by political unrest, foreign pressure, and efforts to strengthen and modernize the empire. Only a few years after this coin was produced, the Xinhai Revolution of 1911 would bring an end to Qing rule and establish the Republic of China.
The Water Dragon Design
The Water Dragon variety is named for the distinctive dragon design featured on the coin. The dragon was the traditional symbol of imperial power, representing the authority of the Qing emperor and the strength of the Chinese state.
On late Qing machine-struck coins, the dragon became a central design element, combining traditional Chinese symbolism with modern coin manufacturing techniques.
The detailed dragon imagery and variety characteristics make these coins especially popular among collectors of Chinese Imperial coinage.
Coin Details
Country: China
Dynasty: Qing Dynasty
Province: Hupeh (Hubei)
Date: 1902–1905
Denomination: 10 Cash
Type: Water Dragon
Metal: Copper / bronze
Grade: NGC AU 55 BN
Condition: About Uncirculated
Color: Brown (BN)
NGC Population
According to the provided NGC population report:
AU 55 BN: 151 examples
Higher Grades: 279 examples
This example represents an attractive circulated specimen with strong remaining detail and original brown coloration. The AU grade indicates a coin that saw limited circulation while preserving much of its original design quality.
Historical Significance
The Hupeh Water Dragon series is highly collectible because it reflects China's attempt to modernize its currency during the final years of imperial rule. These coins bridge two eras: the traditional Qing Empire and the emerging modern Republic of China.
With its imperial dragon design, provincial origin, and connection to a pivotal moment in Chinese history, this coin is an excellent representation of late Qing coinage.
Over 120 years old, this NGC AU 55 BN Hupeh Water Dragon 10 Cash is a fascinating addition to collections of Qing Dynasty coins, Chinese dragon coinage, provincial issues, or world coins.
Please see the photographs and NGC certification for the exact variety, color, surfaces, and condition of the coin.
