Guangxu Yuanbao made in Beiyang belongs to a large series in the history of machine coinage in modern China. The period of its coinage is very long (from Guangxu 22 years to Guangxu 34 years [1896-1908]). After more than ten years, the coinage has been changed several times. Even in the same coinage, it is often complicated due to many factors such as mold repair, coin material, technology and factory management.

北洋造光绪元宝是清代中央政府造的货币，无论铸造工艺还是信誉程度都有别于地方版。下图为周先生带来的一枚光绪元宝北洋造29年，因其背蟠龙鳞甲别致，如颗颗珍珠镶嵌，故得别名珍珠龙。

The Guangxu Yuanbao made by Beiyang is a currency made by the central government of Qing Dynasty, which is different from the local version in terms of casting technology and reputation. The picture below shows a 29 year old Guangxu Yuanbao Beiyang made by Mr. Zhou. Because of its unique scales, such as pearl inlays, it is also called Pearl Dragon.

直径：3.88cm 厚：0.25cm 重：26.2g

Diameter: 3.88cm Thick: 0.25cm Weight: 26.2g

北洋造光绪元宝，钱面：珠圈内满汉文“光绪元宝”，圈外上环“北洋造”，下环“库平七钱二分”，左右各一圆点星。钱背：中心为蟠龙图，上下环英文，左侧有阿拉伯数字29，左右各一圆点心。

Beiyang made Guangxu Yuanbao, Qian Mian: the Pearl circle is full of "Guangxu Yuanbao" in Chinese, the outer circle is "Beiyang made", the lower circle is "Kuping seven Qian two points", each with a dot star on the left and right. Qian Bei: in the center is a picture of a pan dragon. The upper and lower rings are in English. On the left is the Arabic number 29. There is a circle of dim sum on the left and right.

这类光绪元宝是在清朝末年铸造，当时朝野上下发生了银元单位之争，币制未统一。北洋机器局更名北洋造币局，铸行较早脱离“两单位”的银币后，又于光绪二十五年始，铸行面值库平纪重的“光绪元宝”，在这类币的背面左侧阿拉伯数字表示该币为光绪X年版，有25、26、29、33、34等数种，流通全国。

This kind of Guangxu Yuanbao was forged in the late Qing Dynasty. At that time, there was a dispute over Silver units between the upper and lower levels of chaoye, and the currency system was not unified. Beiyang Machinery Bureau changed its name to Beiyang minting Bureau. After the bank broke away from the "two units" silver coin earlier, it began to cast the "Guangxu Yuanbao" with the face value of Kuping and heavy period in the 25th year of Guangxu. The Arabic numerals on the left side of the reverse of this kind of coin indicate that it is the Guangxu x-year version. There are 25, 26, 29, 33, 34 and other kinds of coins, which are circulated all over the country.

此银元包浆实际上是银元表面自然氧化后所呈现出来的光泽与机理效果。银元表面长时间与大气水分等物质相作用，与织物、皮肤等物质相互岸擦，其表面所产生的光泽与机理效果，润洋、自然，休现银元质感之美，被称为”包浆”。

In fact, the silver coating is the luster and mechanism effect of natural oxidation of silver surface. The surface of silver dollar interacts with air moisture and other substances for a long time, and rubs with fabric, skin and other substances. The luster and mechanism effect produced by the surface is moist, natural, and the beauty of silver dollar texture is eliminated. It is called "wrapping".

此枚银币制作工艺精湛，纹饰清晰，包浆浑厚自然，为晚清时期机制币精品，较为罕见，具有收藏价值。如果您有意收藏此枚藏品，欢迎随时联系广州东朝文化！

This silver coin, with exquisite workmanship, clear decoration and thick and natural coating, is a rare and collectable fine machine-made coin of late Qing Dynasty. If you are interested in collecting this collection, please feel free to contact Guangzhou Dongchao culture!