1920 China – Hunan Province
Crossed Flags & Wheat Ears Reverse 10 Cash
NGC MS 62 BN
Offered here is a 1920 Hunan Province 10 Cash coin featuring the attractive Crossed Flags and Wheat Ears Reverse design. Certified by NGC as MS 62 BN, this coin represents an important issue from the early years of the Republic of China.
Historical Background
The year 1920 was part of a challenging era in Chinese history. Following the Xinhai Revolution of 1911, the Qing Dynasty was overthrown and the Republic of China was established in 1912. However, the young republic struggled with political divisions, regional military conflicts, and economic instability.
During this period, many provinces continued to produce their own coinage to support local commerce. Hunan Province, located in central China, was one of the important regions issuing provincial coins during the Republican era.
The Hunan coinage of this period reflects the transition from imperial China to a modern republic, combining traditional Chinese artistic elements with symbols of the new government.
The Crossed Flags & Wheat Ears Design
The crossed flags symbolize the newly established Republic of China and replaced the imperial dragon imagery that had appeared on Qing Dynasty coins.
The wheat ears represent agriculture, prosperity, and national strength. Wheat and grain imagery was commonly used on Republican-era coinage as a symbol of the nation's economic foundation and hopes for stability.
The combination of republican symbols and provincial identification makes this type an important representation of China's early 20th-century monetary history.
Coin Details
Country: China
Period: Republic of China
Province: Hunan
Year: 1920
Denomination: 10 Cash
Design: Crossed Flags / Wheat Ears Reverse
Metal: Copper / bronze
Grade: NGC MS 62 BN
Condition: Mint State
Color: Brown (BN)
NGC Population
According to the provided NGC population report:
MS 62 BN: 91 examples
Higher Grades: 133 examples
This certified example offers collectors a well-preserved Mint State specimen with attractive original brown coloration. While higher grades exist, the coin remains desirable due to its historical importance and recognizable Republican-era design.
Historical Significance
This coin was produced during a period when China was redefining itself after the end of imperial rule. Provincial issues such as this Hunan 10 Cents provide a fascinating look at how different regions participated in the development of the Republic's monetary system.
For collectors of Chinese Republican coinage, provincial issues are especially appealing because they combine historical importance, regional identity, and a wide variety of collectible designs.
A century-old certified example of early Republic of China coinage, the 1920 Hunan Crossed Flags & Wheat Ears 10 Cash is a meaningful addition to collections of Chinese provincial coins, Republican issues, and world coinage.
Please see the photographs and NGC certification for the exact color, surfaces, and details of the coin.
