1920 China – Hunan Province
“Li” Script No Dots – Thin Leaves 10 Cash
NGC MS 63 BN
Offered here is a scarce and attractive 1920 Hunan Province 10 Cashcoin featuring the distinctive “Li” Script, No Dots, Thin Leaves variety. Certified by NGC as MS 63 BN, this example represents an important piece of early 20th-century Chinese provincial coinage.
Historical Background
Following the fall of the Qing Dynasty in 1911, China entered the Republican era, but the country remained politically divided. Provincial governments and regional authorities continued producing their own coinage, resulting in a remarkable variety of designs and collectible varieties.
Hunan Province, located in central China, was an important agricultural and strategic region. Its provincial coinage from this period reflects the challenges of maintaining a reliable monetary system during a time of political uncertainty and regional independence.
The year 1920 falls within the Warlord Era, when different military leaders controlled large parts of China. Despite the instability, provincial coinage continued to circulate as an essential part of everyday commerce.
About the Design
This coin features the collectible “Li” Script – No Dots – Thin Leaves variety, identified by specific details in the Chinese characters and decorative elements.
Chinese provincial coins from this era are highly collectible because small design differences—such as character style, leaf shape, dots, and border details—can create distinct varieties with different levels of rarity.
The decorative elements and inscriptions represent the continued influence of traditional Chinese artistry combined with modern machine-made coin production.
Coin Details
Country: China
Period: Republic of China
Province: Hunan
Year: 1920
Denomination: 10 Cash
Variety: “Li” Script – No Dots – Thin Leaves
Metal: Copper / bronze
Grade: NGC MS 63 BN
Condition: Mint State
Color: Brown (BN)
NGC Population
According to the provided NGC population report:
MS 63 BN: 96 examples
Higher Grades: 0 examples
Although the population is higher than some rare varieties, the significance of this coin lies in its top-pop status—with no examples graded higher by NGC according to the stated population. This makes it particularly appealing to collectors seeking the finest certified examples.
Historical Significance
This coin represents a fascinating period in Chinese history, when the newly established Republic was struggling to create a unified financial system while regional mints continued producing their own distinctive coinage.
The Hunan provincial issues are admired by collectors for their variety, historical context, and connection to the turbulent years following the end of imperial rule.
Over 100 years old and certified NGC MS 63 BN, this 1920 Hunan “Li” Script No Dots – Thin Leaves 10 Cash is an excellent addition to collections of Chinese Republican coins, provincial issues, variety coins, or certified world coinage.
Please see the photographs and NGC certification for the exact color, surfaces, variety details, and condition of the coin.
