Block of four from the 1897 Empress Dowager series with black overprint "10 cents" on 9 candareen green dragon, issued during the Qing Dynasty currency reform. Country: China. Year: 1897. Denomination: 10 Chinese cents. Color: Green with black overprint. Printing: Lithography. Format: Block of four. Perforation: Rough, 12–13 variable. Gumming: No visible gum due to usage. Catalog number: Scott 35. This stamp belongs to the iconic Empress Dowager "Small Dragon" issue, commemorating the 60th birthday of Empress Dowager Cixi, and was surcharged during the brief transitional postal reform to decimal currency. Motif includes imperial dragon in dense engraved style symbolizing power and sovereignty. Postally used, with full strike of circular date cancels likely from 1897–98. Historically tied to late Qing Dynasty modernization efforts and one of the earliest Chinese surcharged issues for international rate adaptation. The block exhibits rough perforations and foxing throughout, with significant creasing and reinforcement from archival tape on reverse. Condition fair, with worn edges and surface abrasions but intact central design. Estimate "$980 – 1050"