Antique coin from Republic of China.

This antique coin was minted when China first became a republic after the fall of the Qing Dynasty.
This is a Republic of China 10 Cash copper coin (当十铜元), minted around 1920. [1, 2, 3]

Coin Specifications & History

Country/Era: Republic of China (ROC), early Republican period. [1, 2]

Material: Copper. [1, 2]

Design Features:

The center features two crossed flags tied with a ribbon.

On the left is the Wuchang Uprising Flag (Iron Blood 18-Star Flag), and on the right is the striped Five-Colored Flag, which served as an early national flag of the Republic.

The upper inscription reads 中華民國 ("Republic of China").

The lower inscription reads 當十銅元 ("Equal to 10 Cash copper coins"). [1, 2, 3]

The reverse side confirms this is a 1912 Republic of China 10 Cash coin (Y# 303 variety) commemorating the founding of the Republic.

Reverse Design Elements

English Legend: Outer rim reads THE REPUBLIC OF CHINA and TEN CASH.

Central Motif: Features a wreath made of crossed stalks of rice or grain (symbolizing agricultural abundance and peace).

Floral Accents: Two small rosettes or multi-petaled flowers separate the upper and lower text on the left and right rims.

Expanded History & Production Details

Mint Locations: These were struck extensively across provincial mints, primarily Wuchang (Hubei) and Nanjing (Jiangsu).

Historical Context: Minted immediately following the Xinhai Revolution of 1911 to replace imperial Qing Dynasty coinage.

Design Symbolism: The English text reflects China's effort to modernize and align with global trade standards during the early Republican era.