China - Zhili Prov. Guangxu, Struck 1888 x2

Zhili (or Chili) Province, Tianjin mint (Beiyang Arsenal) during the Guangxu period. Emperor De Zong (1875-1908). This interesting series transitions the ancient casting method and modern milled & struck coinage while retaining the sq. hole. The mint cast & struck this same design simultaneously. A very interesting, first hand description of the process, and comparison with the casting method can be read in "Qing Cash" by David Hartill; p.244-246.
These are Type 1.2 as classified in QC (27.116). There seems to be some variablility in the alloy. Chinese sources described the ratio as 7 parts copper & 3 parts zinc. KM lists these as 'brass'. Here we have an example that is reddish (23mm; 3.5 gm); another looks brass (23 mm; 3 gm).
No Date (~1888). OB: Guangxu Tong bao; RX: Boo jiyen.
Hartill QC#27.116, CCC# 22.1461; Hsu#410.2