Expert: Lazar Trivunovic - 2/2/2012

Question
Mr. Trivunovic,

I have a Chinese coin I have identified as a Kwang-Tung 10 Cash.  The question I have is it has the numeral 1 stamped into the center of the coin on the reverse side.  Is there any reason for the stamp?  The stamp is on the Ten Cash side.

Thanks,
Debby

Answer
Hi Debby,

Yes reason is simple because this Chinese coins of 10 cash are equivalent to 1 cent. So this is similar if you say 10 cents or 1 dime in US currency for same coin.

I believe you have this coin, Krause catalog number:

Y# 417 CENT
Bronze Obv. Legend: Chung Hua Min Kuo (year) Nien Rev.
Legend: KWANG-TUNG PROVINCE
Date Mintage VG F VF XF Unc
1(1912) 18,836,000 0.70 2.25 3.00 8.00 33.00
3(1914) 14,750,000 0.70 2.25 3.00 8.00 33.00
4(1915) 6,350,000 2.00 6.00 9.00 22.50 55.00
5(1916) 18,388,000 1.00 3.00 5.00 11.00 45.00
7(1918) — 4.00 11.00 19.00 30.00 70.00

Y# 417a CENT
Brass Obv. Legend: Chung Hua Min Kuo (year) Nien Rev.
Legend: KWANG-TUNG PROVINCE
Date Mintage VG F VF XF Unc
1(1912) Inc. above — — — — —
3(1914) Inc. above 1.00 3.00 8.00 15.00 37.50
4(1915) Inc. above 1.50 5.00 11.00 22.50 45.00
5(1916) Inc. above 0.70 2.00 5.00 9.00 30.00

http://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/9630032

http://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces14089.html

Wish you luck and best regards from Slovenia

Lazar Trivunović