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- Product ID: 43956
The China Provisional Government 1 Fen 1941 Y#523 VF (Very Fine) coin is an evocative numismatic piece that encapsulates a period of profound upheaval and complexity in Chinese history. Minted during the Japanese occupation of China, this coin represents the economic and political machinations of the Provisional Government of the Republic of China, a puppet state established by Japan in 1937. This era, marked by the Second Sino-Japanese War and the broader context of World War II, saw significant strife and suffering in China, as well as attempts by the occupying forces to assert control through the establishment of puppet governments and the manipulation of local economies.
The design of the 1 Fen 1941 coin reflects the occupying authorities' efforts to project an image of normalcy and legitimacy. The obverse features the national emblem adopted by the Provisional Government, which was meant to symbolize unity under the new regime, albeit one under Japanese influence. The emblem and the inscriptions around it were designed to convey a sense of continuity with the Republic of China, despite the drastic changes imposed by the occupation. The reverse side displays the denomination "1 Fen" prominently, surrounded by traditional Chinese motifs that seek to evoke a connection to Chinese heritage and culture, even as the reality of occupation undercut national sovereignty.
Minted in a time of conflict and scarcity, the 1 Fen coin was produced under challenging conditions, reflecting the economic policies of the Provisional Government and its Japanese overseers. The production of currency during this period was a key element of the occupiers' strategy to control the Chinese economy and integrate it into Japan's Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere. Despite the adversities of its creation, the coin demonstrates the technological and material capabilities available to the mint at the time, as well as the occupiers' determination to maintain a semblance of economic normalcy.
The mintage of the 1 Fen 1941 coin was influenced by the economic demands of wartime China under occupation. While exact figures may be hard to ascertain, the issuance of this coin was crucial for facilitating daily transactions within the territories controlled by the Provisional Government. The denomination of 1 Fen indicates its role in small-scale economic activities, essential for the survival of ordinary people during a period of great hardship. The circulation of this coin thus played a part in the complex economic landscape of occupied China, where the struggle for survival was entwined with the broader dynamics of war and occupation.
The condition of the China Provisional Government 1 Fen 1941 Y#523 coin as Very Fine suggests it has experienced moderate circulation, with some wear on the highest points but retaining much of its original detail and design. This level of preservation offers a tangible connection to the past, allowing collectors and historians to glimpse the material culture of a tumultuous period in Chinese history. For those interested in numismatics and the history of World War II in Asia, this coin provides a compelling insight into the challenges of daily life under occupation, as well as the broader geopolitical struggles that defined the era.
In conclusion, the China Provisional Government 1 Fen 1941 Y#523 VF coin is a poignant artifact from a dark chapter in Chinese history. Through its design, minting, denomination, and condition, the coin narrates a story of resilience and adaptation in the face of adversity. It serves as a reminder of the complexities of occupation, the manipulation of economies by occupying powers, and the enduring spirit of the Chinese people during a period of profound hardship and resistance.