1906 China – Hupeh Province
Two Peak Cloud, Thin Stroke “Kwang” 10 Cash
NGC MS 61 BN
Offered here is a desirable 1906 Hupeh Province 10 Cash coin featuring the distinctive Two Peak Cloud, Thin Stroke “Kwang” variety. Certified by NGC as MS 61 BN, this coin is an excellent example of late Qing Dynasty provincial coinage and an important piece for collectors of Chinese dragon varieties.
Historical Background
This coin was issued during the reign of the Guangxu Emperor (1875–1908), during the final years of the Qing Dynasty. The early 20th century was a period of major transformation in China, as the imperial government attempted to modernize its economy, military, and monetary system while facing growing internal and foreign challenges.
The Hupeh (Hubei) Mint was one of the most important provincial mints in the Qing Empire. Located in central China near the Yangtze River, Hupeh was a major commercial and industrial region and produced some of the most recognized and collectible dragon coinage of the late Qing period.
Only a few years after this coin was produced, the Xinhai Revolution of 1911 would overthrow the Qing Dynasty and bring an end to imperial rule in China, making these coins important artifacts from the final chapter of the Chinese Empire.
The Hupeh Dragon Design
The Hupeh dragon series is highly prized by collectors because of its detailed artwork and numerous varieties. The imperial dragon represents power, authority, and the legitimacy of the Qing emperor.
The Two Peak Cloud, Thin Stroke “Kwang” variety is identified by specific design characteristics in the cloud formation and the style of the Chinese character “Kwang” (光). These small differences are significant to specialists and are carefully studied when attributing late Qing Chinese coins.
Varieties such as this demonstrate the complexity of provincial coin production, where small changes in engraving and die preparation created collectible differences between issues.
Coin Details
Country: China
Dynasty: Qing Dynasty
Emperor: Guangxu Emperor
Province: Hupeh (Hubei)
Year: 1906
Denomination: 10 Cash
Type: Dragon Coinage
Variety: Two Peak Cloud – Thin Stroke “Kwang”
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: 58 examples
Higher Grades: 0
This certified Mint State example offers collectors a well-preserved representation of a specialized Hupeh variety. The combination of a recognized variety, original brown coloration, and NGC certification makes it an attractive addition for advanced Chinese coin collectors.
Historical Significance
Late Qing Hupeh dragon coins are among the most collected Chinese provincial issues because they represent the meeting point between traditional imperial symbolism and modern coin manufacturing.
The 1906 date places this coin near the end of the Qing Dynasty, when China was undergoing profound political change. Each surviving example provides a tangible connection to the final years of imperial China and the transition into the Republican era.
Please see the photographs and NGC certification for the exact variety, color, surfaces, and condition of the coin.
