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ROC, 5 Cents Nickel Coin
ROC Era 12, Kwangtung Province
民國 半毫鎳幣
民國十二年 廣東省造
Item number: A484
Year: AD 1923
Material: Nickel
Size: 19.4 x 19.4 x 1.1 mm
Weight: 2.65 g
Manufactured by: Guangdong Province Mint
Provenance:
1. Noonans 2022
2. D. L. F. Sealy Collection
This nickel coin was issued by the Republic of China government in Guangdong Province in the 12th year of the Republic (AD 1923). It is a “5 Cents Nickel Coin.”
On the obverse side of the nickel coin, the outermost edge features a toothed border. Encircling the top and bottom are the English inscriptions “KWANG-TUNG PROVINCE” and “FIVE CENTS,” respectively. These are separated on either side by a six-petal floral design. In the centre is the number “5,” flanked by two bundles of rice stalks. A beaded circle separates the central design from the outer English inscriptions.
On the reverse side of the nickel coin, the outermost edge also features a toothed border. The top and bottom edges are inscribed in standard script with “中華民國十二年” (12th Year of the Republic of China) and “廣東省造” (Made in Guangdong Province), respectively. These inscriptions are separated by nine-pointed star designs on either side. In the centre, there is a dot and the four characters “半毫鎳幣” (5 Cents Nickel Coin) arranged vertically. A beaded circle separates the central and outer inscriptions. The coin’s edge is smooth.
This nickel coin design originates from the “Five Cents Nickel Coin” produced in the 8th year of the Republic of China (AD 1919), with only the denomination modified. The redesign for the 5 Cents Nickel Coin began in the 10th year of the Republic (AD 1921). Due to its similar size to the Five Cents Nickel Coin, the two could be used interchangeably. However, despite multiple official prohibitions, the 5 Cents Nickel Coin issued in the 12th year of the Republic (AD 1923) was still frequently used in place of the Five Cents Nickel Coin, with limited success in preventing this practise.
The background of the nickel coin issuance dates back to AD 1922 when Chen Jiongming, disagreeing with the Northern Expedition, launched a coup. This forced Sun Yat-sen to leave Shanghai for Guangdong in AD 1923 (the 12th year of the Republic) to establish a revolutionary government. In AD 1925, the National Government of the Republic of China was formally established in Guangzhou, and the Guangdong provincial government was reorganised.