1902 China – Kiangsu Province
Flying Dragon 10 Cash | NGC XF 45 BN | Extremely Rare Population
Offered here is a 1902 Kiangsu Province Flying Dragon 10 Cash, a fascinating late Qing Dynasty copper coin with an exceptionally low NGC population. Certified NGC XF 45 BN, this example is particularly noteworthy with only 5 coins graded at XF 45 BN and just 3 examples graded higher according to the population figures provided.
Historical Background
This coin was produced during the reign of the Guangxu Emperor (1875–1908), during a period when the Qing Dynasty was attempting to modernize China's monetary system. Provincial mints began producing machine-struck copper coins that combined modern minting technology with traditional Chinese imagery.
Kiangsu (Jiangsu) Province, located along China's eastern coast and centered around the important city of Nanjing, was one of the country's most economically significant regions. Its proximity to Shanghai and major commercial waterways made it an important center of trade and finance.
The year 1902 is particularly interesting because it falls during the final decade of Qing imperial rule. China was undergoing major reforms following the turmoil of the late 19th century, while foreign influence and internal political pressures were reshaping the country.
The Flying Dragon
The Flying Dragon design is one of the most distinctive types of late Qing Chinese copper coinage. The dragon was an enduring symbol of imperial power, authority, strength, and legitimacy.
Unlike the more common standing or coiled dragon designs, the Flying Dragon presents a dynamic and powerful image, giving the coin considerable visual appeal. Dragon imagery on Qing coinage represented the emperor and the imperial state at a time when China was attempting to modernize while preserving traditional symbols.
Coin Details
Country: China
Dynasty: Qing Dynasty
Emperor: Guangxu Emperor
Province: Kiangsu (Jiangsu)
Year: 1902
Denomination: 10 Cash
Type: Flying Dragon
Metal: Copper / Bronze
Grade: NGC XF 45 BN
Condition: Extremely Fine
Color: Brown (BN)
NGC Population – Very Low Numbers
According to the NGC population information provided:
XF 45 BN: 5 examples
Higher Grades: 3 examples
Total at XF 45 or higher: only 8 examples
This is an exceptionally small certified population. With only 3 examples graded higher than XF 45, this coin has strong appeal for collectors interested in condition rarity, registry collecting, and scarce Chinese provincial varieties.
The low population is one of the most important features of this particular coin and should be highlighted in any sale listing.
Historical Significance
The 1902 Kiangsu Flying Dragon represents a fascinating moment in Chinese history. It was struck only a few years before the collapse of the Qing Dynasty and the establishment of the Republic of China in 1912.
These coins document China's transition from traditional imperial monetary practices toward modern machine-struck currency. The combination of a modern copper coin format with the traditional imperial dragon makes this an especially interesting historical artifact.
Over 120 years old, this NGC XF 45 BN Kiangsu Flying Dragon 10 Cash is a remarkably scarce certified example, with only 3 coins graded higher according to the stated NGC population. A highly desirable addition to collections of Qing Dynasty coinage, Chinese dragon coins, Kiangsu provincial issues, and rare certified world coins.
Please see the photographs and NGC certification for the exact variety, surfaces, color, and condition of the coin.
