1903–1917 China Empire – Hu Poo (Hupoo) Standard Dragon
20 Cash | NGC MS 61 BN
Offered here is a late Qing Dynasty Hu Poo (Hupoo) Standard Dragon 20 Cash coin, issued during the final years of the Chinese Empire. Certified by NGC as MS 61 BN, this coin represents an important transitional period when China was modernizing its monetary system while the Qing Dynasty faced increasing internal and external challenges.
Historical Background
The Hu Poo Mint, also known as the Hupoo Mint, was the former name of the Board of Revenue Mint in Beijing, one of the most important official mints of the Qing Dynasty. The term “Hu Poo” appears on many late Qing coins and refers to the government department responsible for imperial finances and currency production.
This coin was produced between approximately 1903 and 1917, a period that spans the final years of the Qing Empire and the early years of the Republic of China. The Qing Dynasty, which had ruled China since 1644, was experiencing political instability, foreign pressure, and demands for modernization.
The Xinhai Revolution of 1911 eventually ended imperial rule, leading to the establishment of the Republic of China in 1912. Coins from this era are especially fascinating because they represent the transition between traditional imperial coinage and modern republican currency.
The Standard Dragon Design
The dragon is one of the most powerful symbols in Chinese culture, representing imperial authority, strength, and legitimacy. On late Qing coinage, the dragon served as a direct symbol of the emperor and the Qing state.
The Standard Dragon design features the imperial dragon surrounded by traditional Chinese inscriptions and decorative elements. Unlike earlier cast cash coins, these machine-struck coins were part of China's effort to adopt modern Western-style coin production while maintaining traditional Chinese symbolism.
Coin Details
Country: China
Dynasty: Qing Dynasty / Transitional Period
Date: 1903–1917
Mint: Hu Poo (Hupoo), Beijing
Denomination: 20 Cash
Type: Standard Dragon
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: 134 examples
Higher Grades: 251 examples
This certified example represents a solid Mint State coin with original brown coloration. While higher grades are known, the coin remains desirable for its historical importance, late Qing dragon design, and connection to the final chapter of imperial Chinese coinage.
Historical Significance
The Hu Poo Standard Dragon series is highly collectible because it captures a pivotal moment in China's history—the final years of the Qing Empire and the transition into the modern era.
This coin is not only a piece of currency but also a historical artifact from a time of major transformation, when China was attempting to modernize while preserving centuries of imperial tradition.
Over 100 years old and certified NGC MS 61 BN, this Hu Poo Standard Dragon 20 Cash is an excellent addition to collections of Qing Dynasty coins, Chinese dragon coinage, transitional issues, or world coins.
Please see the photographs and NGC certification for the exact variety, color, surfaces, and condition of the coin.
