Identification and Translation

[andy1]

Can anyone tell me what this is and what it says, I think it is Chinese? Possibly a button. It’s about the same size as a quarter. Thank you.

[Shelley]

This a Chinese coin, they are quite common. if you do a Google search for old Chinese coins you should find out more.

[skylee]

I am not sure if this type of coin is still common as said in #2. I don't see them very often, although I think they are not that rare as they are not very old.

The characters in the picture on the left says 光緒通寶, which means that the coin was used during the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty (1871-1908). On the other side of the coin (the picture on the right) is Manchurian script (the Qing Dynasty was a Manchurian Dynasty). I can't read this script but supposedly it means the same thing as the Chinese characters.

[andy1]

Thank you very much for your help!

[imron]

Alternatively it is a replica of a coin that was used in the Qing dynasty. Such coins are a dime a dozen in souvenir and tourist markets.

[andy1]

If it’s not a replica, do you know it’s value?

[lonny tao]

These Chinese coins are reading like this:

First you read the two vertical characters from top to down.

And then you read the two horizontal characters from right to left.

The two vertical characters from top to down means Guangxu, this is the emperors name.

And the two horizontal characters from right to left means Tong Bao, that means something like official money.

The Characters on the back are from Kwangtung mint, a fabric just outside the city of Canton.

I can buy here these Chinese coins, new, fake voor 1 euro a peace.

A original coin Ching Dynasty,long time ago, I buy some for 2 euro a peace.

[andy1]

lonny tao, Thank you for the info.