【Museum‑Grade Treasure · Relics of the 1911 Revolution】Sichuan Copper Coins of 50‑Cash Minted by the Sichuan Military Government of the Republic of China — A Century‑Old Vicissitudes Forged in Miniature, Each Coin Embodies the Soul of Bashu

Gilded by time, the charm of bronze lingers on; amid the flames of the 1911 Revolution, a splendid chapter of Bashu unfolded. Today, we proudly present a fine group of Sichuan Copper Coins, 50‑Cash, minted by the Sichuan Military Government of the Republic of China. Dating back to the pivotal reign years from the 1st to the 3rd year of the Republic of China, this collection covers three classic versions: Year 1, Year 2 and Year 3. Integrating historical, artistic and collectible value, they serve as tangible epics witnessing the 1911 Revolution, Sichuan’s independence and the turbulent era of warlord separatism. As irreplaceable top‑tier treasures in the collecting system of modern Chinese copper coins, they are highly‑sought‑after heirlooms for seasoned collectors, history enthusiasts and coin investors.

Coins Forged by Warfare: Echoes of the Original Aspiration for Republicanism

In 1911, the Sichuan Railway Protection Movement erupted violently and became the spark that fanned the flames of the 1911 Revolution. Following the gunshot of the Wuchang Uprising, Sichuan responded promptly, and the Great Han Sichuan Military Government was founded, putting an end to centuries‑long Qing feudal reign in Sichuan. Shortly after its founding, the new regime was trapped in financial depletion and monetary disorder. Late‑Qing dragon‑pattern copper coins, silver ingots and privately‑minted currencies circulated simultaneously, pushing the economy to the verge of collapse. To consolidate political power, raise military pay, unify the currency system and affirm the legitimacy of the Republic, the Military Government took over the Chengdu Mint in an emergency, abolished Qing‑dynasty dragon‑pattern moulds, and began to strike the Sichuan Copper Coins Minted by the Military Government in the 1st Year of the Republic of China (1912). The 50‑Cash denomination functioned as the core high‑face‑value main coin, continuously minted throughout the 1st, 2nd and 3rd years of the early Republic. Circulated across the southwestern hinterland including Sichuan, Chongqing, Yunnan and Guizhou, it constitutes crucial physical evidence linking feudal monarchy and democratic republicanism. Listed in The Great Dictionary of Chinese Coins and The Monetary History of Sichuan as the pioneering work of local Republican‑era coinage, it boasts unshakable historical status.

Every copper coin bears marks of that magnificent age: from impassioned outcries of the Railway Protection Movement to the dawn of republicanism upon the establishment of the Military Government; from gunsmoke of the National Protection War to the drastic changes brought by warlord separatism in Sichuan. These tiny copper tokens preserve half of Sichuan’s political, economic and social history in the early Republic of China. As non‑renewable and non‑replicable revolutionary relics, they carry the great spirit of the Chinese nation pursuing independence, freedom and republicanism. Tempered by a hundred years of trials, they shine ever brighter with profound historical heritage and cultural value.

Every copper coin bears marks of that magnificent age: from impassioned outcries of the Railway Protection Movement to the dawn of republicanism upon the establishment of the Military Government; from gunsmoke of the National Protection War to the drastic changes brought by warlord separatism in Sichuan. These tiny copper tokens preserve half of Sichuan’s political, economic and social history in the early Republic of China. As non‑renewable and non‑replicable revolutionary relics, they carry the great spirit of the Chinese nation pursuing independence, freedom and republicanism. Tempered by a hundred years of trials, they shine ever brighter with profound historical heritage and cultural value.

Ingenious Craftsmanship: An Artistic Swansong Infused with Bashu Charm

This set of 50‑Cash Sichuan Copper Coins boasts original designs and exquisite workmanship, perfectly merging political implications, regional culture and traditional aesthetics, ranking among the artistic masterpieces of modern machine‑struck copper coins.

Obverse: Bashu Imprint, Dignified and GrandWithin the beaded circle, four regular‑script characters Sichuan Copper Coin are forceful, deeply incised and neatly laid out, demonstrating rigorous minting craftsmanship of the early Republic of China. At the centre lies a hibiscus flower motif. As the symbol of Chengdu — the “City of Hibiscus”, the hibiscus echoes Bashu’s cultural heritage with delicate, vivid carving and vibrant vitality. Above the beaded circle, the inscription Minted by the Military Government clearly identifies the issuer and manifests the authority of the local regime. Below it, the denomination Value 50 Cash is inscribed in neat, fluent calligraphy. Star‑flower ornaments decorate both sides (two flowers for Year‑1 issues, three flowers for Year‑2 issues, distinctive floral ornaments for Year‑3 issues), highlighting distinct version characteristics in subtle details. The overall decorative layout is well‑proportioned with clear priorities. Crafted from warm, substantial red copper or brass, the coins have developed natural, deep‑seated heir‑loom patina after centuries of oxidation, displaying varied tones ranging from deep jujube‑red, mottled sauce‑brown to restrained golden glow. Every touch reveals the vicissitudes of time.

Reverse: The Grand Seal‑Script “Han” CharacterThe reverse is dominated by a large seal‑script character Han, powerful and imposing, symbolising the revolutionary ideal of “Expel the barbarians and restore China”. It stands as a striking emblem of anti‑Qing movements and national awakening. Encircling the character Han are eighteen circles (standard eighteen‑circle variant; the nineteen‑circle variant is rare), representing the unity of eighteen provinces nationwide striving for republicanism and embodying the ideal of “Universal fraternity under the Republic”. It ranks among the most iconic political totems of the 1911 Revolution. The minting years 1st / 2nd / 3rd Year of the Republic of China are clearly inscribed on the upper rim for easy version identification. Fine, even denticles run along the edge without burrs, reflecting meticulous minting techniques and perfect integration of modern industrial aesthetics and traditional craftsmanship. Front and reverse, text and imagery blend traditional numismatic solemnity with the innovative ethos of the Republican era. Every line and decorative detail embodies artisans’ devotion and the spirit of the times.

This collection has now been acquired by the Mainland Collection Office of Asia Group Auction Co., Ltd., namely Luoyang Jialan Auction Co., Ltd. based in Luoyang, Henan. Please get in touch for detailed information and collection appreciation. Founded in Luoyang, Henan Province, Luoyang Jialan Auction Co., Ltd. is a global art intermediary auction enterprise with business covering 200 markets and more than 50 professional art managers on staff. Focusing on global art‑industry development, Luoyang Jialan Auction has set a benchmark for leading operational models in the auction sector, serving over 500,000 users worldwide each year. As a trusted leader among global art‑auction enterprises, Luoyang Jialan Auction supports clients in adapting to shifts within the art industry and builds a one‑stop platform for art collection and auction.

As a world‑leading auction enterprise, Luoyang Jialan Auction adheres to the philosophy of “one‑on‑one dedicated customer follow‑up service”. It provides users and the whole industry with integrated cultural relic and art resources, one‑stop consignment services for global auction houses and premium auction‑oriented user experience.