1902–1905 China – Hupeh Province Water Dragon Large “Bei” (北) – With Cloud 10 Cash NGC MS 61 BN
Offered here is a scarce and highly collectible Hupeh Province Water Dragon 10 Cash coin featuring the desirable Large “Bei” (北) – With Cloud variety. Certified by NGC as MS 61 BN, this example represents a superior condition specimen from one of the most popular series of late Qing Dynasty Chinese provincial coinage.
Historical Background
This coin was issued during the reign of the Guangxu Emperor (1875–1908), during the final years of the Qing Dynasty. At this time, China was undergoing major political, economic, and monetary changes as the imperial government attempted to modernize its financial system while facing increasing internal and external pressures.
The Hupeh (Hubei) Mint was one of the most important provincial mints in China. Located in central China near the Yangtze River, Hupeh was a major economic region and produced some of the finest and most collectible dragon coinage of the late Qing period.
This coin was struck only a few years before the Xinhai Revolution of 1911, which ended over two centuries of Qing imperial rule and led to the establishment of the Republic of China in 1912. Late Qing dragon coins are therefore important historical pieces representing the final era of imperial Chinese coinage.
The Water Dragon Design
The Water Dragon series is one of the most admired groups of late Qing provincial coins. The dragon was a powerful symbol of imperial authority, strength, and legitimacy, representing the emperor and the traditional identity of China.
The Large “Bei” (北) – With Cloud variety is identified by specific characteristics in the Chinese characters and surrounding design details. Chinese coin specialists highly value these varieties because small differences in lettering, clouds, flames, and decorative elements can create significant differences in rarity and market demand.
Coin Details
Country: China
Dynasty: Qing Dynasty
Emperor: Guangxu Emperor
Province: Hupeh (Hubei)
Date: 1902–1905
Denomination: 10 Cash
Type: Water Dragon
Variety: Large “Bei” (北) – With Cloud
Metal: Copper / Bronze
Grade: NGC MS 61 BN
Condition: Mint State
Color: Brown (BN)
NGC Population
According to the provided NGC population report:
MS 61 BN: 10 examples
Higher Grades: 0 examples
This coin is currently a top-pop NGC example at MS 61 BN based on the stated population, with no higher-graded examples reported. This condition rarity adds significant appeal for collectors seeking the finest known certified examples.
Historical Significance
The Hupeh Water Dragon series represents a fascinating chapter in Chinese numismatic history. These coins combine traditional imperial dragon imagery with modern machine-struck coin production, reflecting China's efforts to modernize while preserving centuries of cultural symbolism.
With its rare variety, top-pop certification, and connection to the final years of the Qing Dynasty, this coin is a remarkable addition to collections of Chinese Imperial coinage, Qing Dynasty dragons, provincial issues, and certified world coins.
Over 120 years old, this NGC MS 61 BN Hupeh Water Dragon Large “Bei” with Cloud 10 Cents is a significant piece of late Qing history and a desirable example of Chinese provincial coinage.
Please see the photographs and NGC certification for the exact variety, color, surfaces, and condition of the coin.
