Interesting coin my dad found at an old stagecoach stop in western Kansas back in the early 1970’s. He found a fee US coins as well but this one has always kept me wondering.
I recently used AI to help identify it.
Here’s what I found out about it:
Obverse (Side with Chinese Characters)
The Chinese characters read 光緒通寶 (Guāng Xù Tōng Bǎo):
• 光緒 (Guāng Xù): Refers to the Guangxu Emperor, who ruled during the Qing Dynasty from 1875 to 1908.
• 通寶 (Tōng Bǎo): A term meaning “circulating treasure” or “currency.”
So this side means: “Guangxu Era Coin” or “Guangxu Currency.”
Reverse (Side with Script-like Symbols)
This side features Manchu script, the official script of the Qing Dynasty alongside Chinese. These symbols usually indicate the mint location where the coin was cast.
Based on the shape and structure of the Manchu characters, this coin was likely minted at Board of Revenue mint (寶源局 / Bao Yuan Ju) in Beijing, which was the central mint during the Qing dynasty.
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Summary:
• Type: Qing Dynasty cash coin
• Era: Guangxu Emperor (1875–1908)
• Mint: Likely Board of Revenue (Beijing)
• Material: Usually cast in bronze or brass
• Translation: “Guangxu Circulating Treasure”
