Uknown Asian Coin ID Help, Please...

Thanks for the fast response. Is it Chinese? Any idea of the year or dates of the era mentioned? Thanks again, in advance.

Hmmm...I don't believe that WD said that the coin was not genuine. I believe he said the machine struck coin is less common. Information backs that up, stating that the machine struck versions of the coin represented one of three advancements in producing coins made during the period. Mostly later in the era. Illustrations in Krause show coins both way, with the round and square holes, with the less than fully squared holes shown under milled coins as opposed to the cast coins. I appreciate the further information of the probably mint.

I believe the "Western style" was in reference to the way the coin was minted (milled vs cast). It has been documented that a western press was obtained from the British in the latter part of the era (according to a few sources found on Google). Even if this coin isn't worth much money, I sure hope it isn't a fake.

Actually, wd1040, I cannot tell you how big this coin is as I have yet to receive it. I just purchased this coin on ebay, out of curiosity, as an "Unknown Asian" coin for 99 cents. I'll post its size and approximate weight when received, hopefully by this time next week. Do I take it correctly that it is your opinion that the coin has a realistic possibility of being genuine?

Thanks again wd1040. I spent lots of time flipping through Krause without success. After awhile, all the Chinese symbols/words/numbers began looking alike. Then my vision blurred. Then it got ugly. I will look for 191 somewhere in the 100+ pages Chinese coins take up in Krause. It's hard to believe, assuming this information is wholly reliable, that I overpaid on a 99-cent purchase. Did you happen to notice if this is one of the coins with a billion+ mintage figure? Thanks again for the legwork and direction. Do you know anyone who may be interested in a mysterious Asian coin...for cheap?

Actually you didn't overpay. My version is from 2002. I just looked at some Chinese auction sites and the going price is around 20-25 RMB (3 to 4 bucks).

The cast coins may not be in the billions, but at least a few hundred million total, of all the coins with the Guangxu era name.

http://www.seaeaglecoin.com/guangxu1.html

I say it's still a good buy.

Just as a brief follow-up: I received the coin, today. It is very small and very lightweight. It is a bit smaller than a US dime. wd1040 asked about the size. I hope this leads to further enlightenment.