1912 China Republic Founding Commemorative 10 Cash – "2 Circles, 7 Dot Rosettes" Common Flower Variety – NGC MS 63 BN
Overview
This is a superb Mint State example of the 1912 Chinese Republic "Founding of the Republic" commemorative 10 Cash copper coin — one of the earliest and most historically significant coin issues of the newly established Republic of China. Struck to celebrate the fall of the Qing Dynasty and the birth of the Republic under Sun Yat-sen, this piece belongs to the "Common Flower" die variety, distinguished by its two circles and seven-dot rosette design elements bordering the central motif — a diagnostic feature collectors use to classify the numerous minor die varieties struck across Chinese provincial mints during this transitional period.
Grade & Certification
Certified NGC MS 63 BN (Mint State 63, Brown), reflecting original, uncleaned copper surfaces with attractive brown patina and strong luster retained in the protected design areas. The "BN" designation confirms the coin has toned naturally to a brown coloration typical of well-preserved copper from this era, rather than retaining full red mint color.
Rarity
This is a genuinely scarce coin in this grade. Per NGC's population report, only 172 examples have been certified in MS 63 BN, and none have graded higher — meaning this coin sits at the top of the NGC census for the variety. For type collectors and specialists building a set of Republic-period commemoratives, a top-pop example like this represents a meaningful upgrade opportunity.
Design
- Obverse: Crossed flags of the early Republic of China (the Five-Colored Flag and the Iron Blood 19-Star Flag), symbolizing the unity of the new nation and the revolutionary army.
- Reverse: Chinese characters denoting the denomination within a wreath, bordered by the "2 circles, 7 dot rosettes" ornamentation that defines this specific die variety.
- Denomination: 10 Cash (十文)
- Composition: Copper
- Year: 1912 (Year 1 of the Republic)
