Moneta's Temple and Gallery

China - Manchuria 20 Fen (Cents) 1915

Moneta — Wed, 26 Jan 2022 16:49:10 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: Four Chinese ideograms read top to bottom, right to left with flower in the center, all surrounded by more Chinese ideograms. Y#213.a1: With dot within center flower; without dot below left obverse rosette. Xuantong Type 4; posthumous. OB Lettering: 造省三東宣寶元統釐四分四錢一平庫 Translation: Made in the Three East Provinces Xuantong (Emperor) / Yuanbao (Original currency) Worth 1 Mace and 4.4 Candareens (weight) RX: Lettering: MANCHURIAN PROVINCES 1 MACE AND 4.4 CANDAREENS

China - Fukien, Wuchang Uprising 20 Cents, 1912

Moneta — Mon, 23 Nov 2020 14:33:56 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: China, Republic Provincial Cast Coinage of the Wuhan or Wuchang Uprising. Central ob. legend: Chung-hua Yuan-pao; Rx: *MADE IN FOO-KIEN MINT* 1 MACE AND 4.4 CANDAREENS. Caution for collectors: there are several varieties that span this, 1912, to issues of 1924. Devices and Chinese characters vary with some types worth very much more. The Wuchang Uprising was an armed rebellion against the ruling Qing dynasty that took place in Wuchang (now Wuchang, District of Wuhan), Hubei, China on 10 October 1911. This was the beginning of the Xinhai Revolution that successfully overthrew China's last imperial dynasty. It was led by elements of the New Army, influenced by revolutionary ideas from Tongmenghui (see below). The uprising and the eventual revolution directly led to the downfall of the Qing dynasty with almost three centuries of imperial rule, and the establishment of the Republic of China (ROC), which commemorates the anniversary of the uprising's starting date of 10 October as the National Day of the Republic of China. The uprising originated from popular unrest about a railway crisis, and the planning process took advantage of the situation. On 10 October 1911, the New Army stationed in Wuchang launched an assault on the residence of the Viceroy of Huguang. The viceroy, Ruicheng, quickly fled from the residence and the revolutionaries soon took control of the entire city. The Tongmenghui (or T'ung-meng Hui, variously translated as Chinese United League, United League, Chinese Revolutionary Alliance, Chinese Alliance, United Allegiance Society, 中國同盟會) was a secret society and underground resistance movement founded by Sun Yat-sen, Song Jiaoren, and others in Tokyo, Japan, on 20 August 1905. It was formed from the merger of multiple Chinese revolutionary groups in the late Qing dynasty. In August 1912, the Tongmenghui formed the nucleus of the Kuomintang, the governing political party of the republic. [Wikipedia] The flags in history and on the coins of this period are many and interesting. The '5 Colored' flag, the one on the right that defines the 5/6 stripe varieties, was the first flag of the Republic of China (1912 - 1928). It was widely flown even before the Republic of China in Shanghai and eastern parts of north China until 1928. The stripe representation (top to bottom): red for Han Chinese, yellow for Manchus, blue for Mongols, white for Hui and black for Tibetans. Later used by the Japanese puppet states of the East Hebei Autonomous Government, the Chinese Provisional Government and Reformed Government of China. It's also found on many of the struck coins of the Republic. The flag on the left is the Flag of the Wuchang uprising (1911 - 1912) and later an army flag of the Republic of China (1911-28). Background is red with a 9 armed black star patten tipped with gold (yellow) dots with a ring of center gold dots and sometimes showing a central gold dot.

Republic of China, Fukien Province 1 Cash, Wuchang Uprising 1912

Moneta — Mon, 21 Sep 2020 19:11:28 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: QING: Republic, AE cash (2.49g), Fujian Province, H-24.4, fu jian tong bao // aka Wuchang Uprising and Five-colored flag either side of hole, VF, R, ex Jim Farr Collection. Likely cast only in the year 1912 during the first year of the Republic of China. The historical importance of this short series of cast coins, in an age of struck coins, can not be underestimated. The Wuchang Uprising was an armed rebellion against the ruling Qing dynasty that took place in Wuchang (now Wuchang District of Wuhan), Hubei, China on 10 October 1911; this was the beginning of the Xinhai Revolution that successfully overthrew China's last imperial dynasty. It was led by elements of the New Army, influenced by revolutionary ideas from Tongmenghui (see below). The uprising and the eventual revolution directly led to the downfall of the Qing dynasty with almost three centuries of imperial rule, and the establishment of the Republic of China (ROC), which commemorates the anniversary of the uprising's starting date of 10 October as the National Day of the Republic of China. The uprising originated from popular unrest about a railway crisis, and the planning process took advantage of the situation. On 10 October 1911, the New Army stationed in Wuchang launched an assault on the residence of the Viceroy of Huguang. The viceroy, Ruicheng, quickly fled from the residence and the revolutionaries soon took control of the entire city. The Tongmenghui (or T'ung-meng Hui, variously translated as Chinese United League, United League, Chinese Revolutionary Alliance, Chinese Alliance, United Allegiance Society, 中國同盟會) was a secret society and underground resistance movement founded by Sun Yat-sen, Song Jiaoren, and others in Tokyo, Japan, on 20 August 1905. It was formed from the merger of multiple Chinese revolutionary groups in the late Qing dynasty. In August 1912, the Tongmenghui formed the nucleus of the Kuomintang, the governing political party of the republic. [Wikipedia] The flags in history and on the coins of this period are many and interesting. The '5 Colored' flag, the one on the right that defines the 5/6 stripe varieties, was the first flag of the Republic of China (1912 - 1928). It was widely flown even before the Republic of China in Shanghai and eastern parts of north China until 1928. The stripe representation (top to bottom): red for Han Chinese, yellow for Manchus, blue for Mongols, white for Hui and black for Tibetans. Later used by the Japanese puppet states of the East Hebei Autonomous Government, the Chinese Provisional Government and Reformed Government of China. It's also found on many of the struck coins of the Republic. The flag on the left is the Flag of the Wuchang uprising (1911 - 1912) and later an army flag of the Republic of China (1911-28). Background is red with a 9 armed black star patten tipped with gold (yellow) dots with a ring of center gold dots and sometimes showing a central gold dot. You can see examples of the very scarce 2 Cash Wuchang Uprising pieces here in the Moneta Museum, where 5 and 6 stripe varieties are represented.

China Rep. Fujian (Fukien) Wuchang Uprising 2 Cash - 5 Stripes

Moneta — Sun, 05 Jul 2020 13:02:39 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: REPUBLIC OF CHINA: AE 2 cash. This is an unusual type as a cast coin of Fukien (Fujian) featuring a reverse bearing flags of the Chinese Republic, formed in 1912. These issues tend to be crude and when in AU condition they are quite rough, center hole is round. This 2 Cash piece, of which there are 5 and 6 stripe r. flag varieties, is the 5 stripe variety. Hartill #24.5 (rarity 7); KM #375. There is also a 1 Cash of the same type, scarcer than the 2 Cash, and only found in a six stripe variety. OB: Fu Jian tong bao; RX: Er Wen (2 Cash). Fu Jian Tong Bao // Wuchang Uprising and Five-colored flags either side,'er wen' (two cash) above and below central hole, 5 stripes on flag variety. Likely cast only in the year 1912 during the first year of the Republic of China. The historical importance of this short series of cast coins, in an age of struck coins, can not be underestimated. The Wuchang Uprising was an armed rebellion against the ruling Qing dynasty that took place in Wuchang (now Wuchang District of Wuhan), Hubei, China on 10 October 1911; this was the beginning of the Xinhai Revolution that successfully overthrew China's last imperial dynasty. It was led by elements of the New Army, influenced by revolutionary ideas from Tongmenghui (see below). The uprising and the eventual revolution directly led to the downfall of the Qing dynasty with almost three centuries of imperial rule, and the establishment of the Republic of China (ROC), which commemorates the anniversary of the uprising's starting date of 10 October as the National Day of the Republic of China. The uprising originated from popular unrest about a railway crisis, and the planning process took advantage of the situation. On 10 October 1911, the New Army stationed in Wuchang launched an assault on the residence of the Viceroy of Huguang. The viceroy, Ruicheng, quickly fled from the residence and the revolutionaries soon took control of the entire city. The Tongmenghui (or T'ung-meng Hui, variously translated as Chinese United League, United League, Chinese Revolutionary Alliance, Chinese Alliance, United Allegiance Society, 中國同盟會) was a secret society and underground resistance movement founded by Sun Yat-sen, Song Jiaoren, and others in Tokyo, Japan, on 20 August 1905. It was formed from the merger of multiple Chinese revolutionary groups in the late Qing dynasty. In August 1912, the Tongmenghui formed the nucleus of the Kuomintang, the governing political party of the republic. [Wikipedia] The flags in history and on the coins of this period are many and interesting. The '5 Colored' flag, the one on the right that defines the 5/6 stripe varieties, was the first flag of the Republic of China (1912 - 1928). It was widely flown even before the Republic of China in Shanghai and eastern parts of north China until 1928. The stripe representation (top to bottom): red for Han Chinese, yellow for Manchus, blue for Mongols, white for Hui and black for Tibetans. Later used by the Japanese puppet states of the East Hebei Autonomous Government, the Chinese Provisional Government and Reformed Government of China. It's also found on many of the struck coins of the Republic. The flag on the left is the Flag of the Wuchang uprising (1911 - 1912) and later an army flag of the Republic of China (1911-28). Background is red with a 9 armed black star patten tipped with gold (yellow) dots with a ring of center gold dots and sometimes showing a central gold dot.

Chinese Communist Party Membership Badge

Moneta — Mon, 14 May 2018 23:02:17 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: I've seen 3 others of these very rare Early Chinese Communist Party Badges, one pictured in a catalog actually retained the original chain and hanger. Naturally each one has a unique membership number crudely stamped into onto the reverse. The famous Daniel Ching Collection sale catalog had one with #23853. The Duan "Comprehensive Catalog of Chinese Copper Coins" (the bible) shows one with #22249. This Membership Badge has the number #5622. The following note from the Scott Semans auction (Jun 1991) catalog of the Daniel Ching states: "This medal was published in the April 1959 issue of 'Wen Wu' (Cultural Relics) magazine. There is no record of a Shih Min county ever having existed anywhere in China. Apparently this was a renamed county under the control of a early communist soviet base, most likely Hunan Province." (ed. Personally I consider this note authoritative as many early party members were still living in 1959.) Duan, Hong Gang states the same thing on p. 10 & 11. A Baldwin catalog (Hong Kong auction #50, Apr 2011, Lot # 936) shows the one with chain & hanger. They have a different attribution: Shi Min County Farmers Society, Copper Members's Badge (1940's). A note states "Qin Shui County, Shanxi was renamed Shi Min County in commemoration of General Wu Shi Min of the 98th National Revolutionary Army, killed in the war against Japan in 1941" (ed. if so the county has reverted to its original name). However, an on-line source (generals.dk) shows him as a Nationalist Army General by inference of a flag and description as a Nationalist Army general who also fought against the communists. So it's not really plausible that Shi Min county was named after General Wu Shi-min or that he was honored by the Chinese Soviets on their membership badge. Earlier attributions site the fact that all of these Membership Badges are overstruck on Hunan 20 Cash pieces (Y 400.x; ND - 1919). The Province of Shansi, sited in the latest (Baldwin) attribution, is a long distance from Hunan, so the link there seems tenuous. Another interesting link are that most of the large star with hammer & sickle counterstamps shown here in the Moneta Museum are mostly struck on Hunan 20 Cash pieces just like the Communist Party Membership Badge. VIEW & DOWNLOAD: Chinese Soviet Copper Coins - Duan, Hong Gang: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Chinese%20Soviet%20Copper%20Coins%20-%20Duan.pdf

Szechuan-Shensi Soviet - 200 Cash 1934

Moneta — Mon, 14 May 2018 21:22:49 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: This is another variety of the great star 200 Cash with a corrected "4" in the date. Here the upper arm of the '4' is curved over. The master Chinese reference (Duan; "The Comprehensive Catalog of Chinese Copper Coins") shows 3 major varieties, as does KM (not including the '60's Re-strike). KM also states that there are many varieties within these 3 major types. This is a corrected '4' but here the raised arm is curved over the vertical stroke. Duan's example curves over like this. Another feature here are denticles, which are not very common on original 1934 examples, but do exist. Here are a number of RARE articles on Communist Chinese Soviet coins & notes from the Moneta Library: VIEW & DOWNLOAD: Chinese Soviet Coins and Notes - Raeburn (1st research 1937!): http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Chinese%20Soviet%20Coins%20and%20Notes%20-%20Raeburn.pdf Chinese Soviet Coins Intriguing - Hogan: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Chinese%20Soviet%20Coins%20Intriguing%20-%20Hogan.pdf Chinese Communist Armies - Kann (excerpt): http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Chinese%20Communist%20Armies%20-%20Kann.pdf Soviet Chinese Copper Coins - Hua Guangpu (Little Brown Book): http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Soviet%20Chinese%20Coppers%20-%20Hua%20Guangpu.pdf Chinese Soviet Copper Coins - Duan, Hong Gang: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Chinese%20Soviet%20Copper%20Coins%20-%20Duan.pdf The premier articles on Early Chinese Soviet issues are the invaluable documents below. It covers the history, coins and notes from 1927-1935 and includes photos and a map: (with color photos; in 3 parts); Money of Communist China - Sandrock Part I: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/The_Money_of_Communist_China_1927-1949_-Part_I.pdf Money of Communist China - Sandrock Part II: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/The_Money_of_Communist_China_1927-1949_-Part_II.pdf Money of Communist China - Sandrock Part III: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/The_Money_of_Communist_China_1927-1949_-Part_III.pdf

Tai Ping Silver Tael or Amulet - China

Moneta — Sun, 29 Oct 2017 18:48:34 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: This is a hand-engraved Tai Ping silver amulet, or charm, made sometime after 1864. Obverse characters are 'Tian Guo' [ 天国 - vertical] while the two reverse characters are 'Sheng Bao' [聖宝 - horizontal w/ abbreviated 'Bao']. These scarce amulets, with a manufacturing technique similar to the official 1/2 & 1/4 Tael pieces of the TaiPings, may have been made by the same Tai Ping engravers that had been employed by the Tai Ping. Bruce Smith speculated that these men went to Fukien after the rebellion and continued their skills there making amulets (Daniel K.E. Ching sale, 1991 Lot # 575). Check out my similar piece at: http://www.moneta-coins.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=213&title=tai-ping-charm&cat=634 I've finally found two references with this EXACT type piece shown in a B/W photos. The photo for both references appears to be the same. The first reference is the bible for Tai'Ping coins both real, presentation and fake. This coin appears in Ma & Ma's "Encyclopedia of Qing Dynasty Tai'Ping Rebellion Coins" [ by Ma Dingxiang, 1994; Shanghai People's Publication House; page 105, Ref # T225]. Here the weight is given as 5.64 g and .95 mm thick, the diameter is ~28 mm. For those fortunate enough to have the book by Dong Wenchao entitled "An Overview of China's Gold & Silver Coins of Past Ages - the Gold and Silver Coins and Medals of Modern China" [pub. by China Finance Publishing House and Economic Information & Agency]: this coin type appears in the section on Silver Coins Minted by ...The Taiping Heavenly Kingdom. On page 805, Plate # 1404 this exact style of hand engraved piece is shown, characters & arrangement, field stippling, edge, and hole shape are the same. The plate photo is ~28 mm and the rarity is given as 4 stars, or extremely rare, unfortunately the weight or other details is not stated in Wenchao. This piece is also ~28 mm and weighs 5.46 g., the thickness is a scrape under 1 mm. A mention of hand engraved coins by the Small Sword Society [PL21-4] is made by Helen Wang in her excellent work entitled "Chinese Secret Society Coins" - you can VIEW and DOWNLOAD at this: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Chinese%20Secret%20Society%20Coins%20&%20Tokens%20-%20Wang.pdf Numista has an entry and photo at this: https://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces318116.html There is some reason to speculate that these Tai Ping silver presentation pieces were made while their forces occupied Ningbo in 1861. Since 1842, when Ningbo was declared one of five Chinese cities set up to trade with the West, there would have been a collection of artisans available in this ancient and prosperous city. With the western trade came an influx of silver, the likes of which had never been available in China before. In 1861, the forces of the Taiping Kingdom took the city relatively unopposed as the defending garrison and all Ningbo residents fled except for the Jews and Persians; they held the town for six months. Traditionally, the Chinese were masters at casting bronze with no prominent tradition of engraving silver. So several factors come together possibly to explain the manufacture of this type of hand engraved silver presentation coin. 1) the Tai Ping occupation, 2) access to foreign traders, 3) access to plentiful silver, 4) availability of artisans, especially those familiar stone seal engraving.

Manchukuo - Fen 1944

Moneta — Sun, 30 Jul 2017 17:09:26 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: Early in 1932 the Japanese declared Manchuria independant based upon a voluntary separatist movement and named the new puppet state Manchukuo. To give the puppet government a bit of legitimacy the Japanese eventually restored the former (and last) emperor of the Manchu Dynasty in China. k'ang Te, better known as P'u-Yi (or Hsuan T'ung, Emp. 1909 - 1911). This coin type was issued under two Year/date methods, TT for puppet ruler Ta T'ung (1932 -1934) and KT for K'ang Te (P'u Yi, 1934 - 1945).

Manchukuo - Fen 1934

Moneta — Sun, 30 Jul 2017 16:50:20 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: Early in 1932 the Japanese declared Manchuria independant based upon a voluntary separatist movement and named the new puppet state Manchukuo. To give the puppet government a bit of legitimacy the Japanese eventually restored the former (and last) emperor of the Manchu Dynasty in China. k'ang Te, better known as P'u-Yi (or Hsuan T'ung, Emp. 1909 - 1911). This coin was issued under two Year/date methods, this early type is a Ta T'ung issue TT3.

Manchukuo - Fen 1935

Moneta — Sun, 30 Jul 2017 16:47:36 -0400

Manchukuo - Fen 1936

Moneta — Sun, 30 Jul 2017 16:45:28 -0400

Provisional Govt - Fen 1941

Moneta — Sun, 30 Jul 2017 16:39:47 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: In 1937 the Japanese North China Expeditionary Army established the Provisional Government of China at Beijing. The Federal Reserve Bank of China was opened in 1938. Three denominations were struck in modest quantities.

Provisional Govt Chiao - 1942

Moneta — Sun, 30 Jul 2017 16:35:08 -0400

Manchukuo Chiao -1940

Moneta — Mon, 24 Jul 2017 22:33:31 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: One of the 5 different designs for the Manchukuo Chiao or 10 Fen, last of the copper-nickel coins before the aluminum coins. It's the best of the series, I think.

Reformed Govt. Rep. of China - 10 Fen 1940

Moneta — Mon, 24 Jul 2017 22:14:37 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: This coin epitomizes the evil the Japanese did to the Chinese during their invasion of China. In March of 1938 the Japanese Expeditionary Army established the Reformed Government of the Republic of China in Nanking (Nanjing). The horrible atrocities they committed against the Chinese people are well documented in the book "The Rape of Nanking" by Iris Chang.

Meng Chiang 5 Chiao - 1938

Moneta — Sun, 23 Jul 2017 15:26:07 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: On the borderlands between Manchuria and Mongolia two local banks were merged. This is the only issue beyond a couple of patterns, and a single year issue.

Manchukuo - Fen 1943

Moneta — Sun, 23 Jul 2017 15:18:21 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: Not to be confused with an issue from Mengchiang that also features the propeller / flower design. This appears to be last year of issue under K'ang Te and dated KT10 (1943)

Manchukuo Chiao 1934

Moneta — Mon, 17 Jul 2017 23:41:03 -0400

Manchukuo Chiao 1943

Moneta — Mon, 17 Jul 2017 23:23:44 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: Early in 1932 the Japanese declared Manchuria independant based upon a voluntary separatist movement and named the new puppet state Manchukuo. To give the puppet government a bit of legitimacy the Japanese eventually restored the former (and last) emperor of the Manchu Dynasty in China. k'ang Te, better known as P'u-Yi (or Hsuan T'ung, Emp. 1909 - 1911). Fifth in a series of Chiao (10 Fen) issued over a 10 year period.

Manchukuo 10 Fen 1941

Moneta — Mon, 17 Jul 2017 23:19:58 -0400

Manchukuo - 5 Li 1934

Moneta — Mon, 17 Jul 2017 23:15:47 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: Early in 1932 the Japanese declared Manchuria independant based upon a voluntary separatist movement and named the new puppet state Manchukuo. To give the puppet government a bit of legitimacy the Japanese eventually restored the former (and last) emperor of the Manchu Dynasty in China. k'ang Te, better known as P'u-Yi (or Hsuan T'ung, Emp. 1909 - 1911). This coin was issued under two Year/date methods, this one being the first as TT3 (1934) the second variety (KT1) was also issued in 1934.

Manchukuo - Fen Red Fiber 1944

Moneta — Mon, 17 Jul 2017 23:06:41 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: Early in 1932 the Japanese declared Manchuria independant based upon a voluntary separatist movement and named the new puppet state Manchukuo. To give the puppet government a bit of legitimacy the Japanese eventually restored the former (and last) emperor of the Manchu Dynasty in China. k'ang Te, better known as P'u-Yi (or Hsuan T'ung, Emp. 1909 - 1911). Red Fiber, brown fiber is also available and is much scarcer.

Manchukuo - 5 Fen Red Fiber 1944

Moneta — Mon, 17 Jul 2017 23:03:36 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: Early in 1932 the Japanese declared Manchuria independant based upon a voluntary separatist movement and named the new puppet state Manchukuo. To give the puppet government a bit of legitimacy the Japanese evantually restored the former (and last) emperor of the Manchu Dynasty in China. k'ang Te, better known as P'u-Yi (or Hsuan T'ung, Emp. 1909 - 1911). Red Fiber; Brown Fiber is much scarcer.

East Hopei - 2 Chiao 1937

Moneta — Sun, 16 Jul 2017 21:19:44 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: Chi Tung Bank of the Autonomous East Hopei Japanese Puppet State of China. The Chiao pieces feature a depiction of T'ien Ning Pagoda. All coins issued were dated Year 26 which was 1937. Every denomination issued is here in the Museum.

East Hopei - 5 Fen 1937

Moneta — Sun, 16 Jul 2017 21:15:34 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: Chi Tung Bank of the Autonomous East Hopei Japanese Puppet State of China. All coins issued were dated Year 26 which was 1937. Every denomination issued is here in the Museum.

East Hopei - 5 Fen 1937

Moneta — Sun, 16 Jul 2017 21:11:37 -0400

East Hopei - Chiao 1937

Moneta — Sun, 16 Jul 2017 21:09:26 -0400

East Hopei - Fen 1937

Moneta — Sun, 16 Jul 2017 21:05:58 -0400

East Hopei - Fen 1927

Moneta — Sun, 16 Jul 2017 21:03:17 -0400

by: Moneta

East Hopei - 5 Li 1937

Moneta — Sun, 16 Jul 2017 21:00:39 -0400

Szechuan-Shensi $ - Large Star 1934

Moneta — Sun, 14 May 2017 17:34:59 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: This is a second photo, including edge reeding detail, of a Large solid star variety. While this is a large star variety, it shows charcteristics of one of the 9 varieties in Wenchao. Specifically, the the Hammer & Sickle show pronounced striation patterns as shown in Wenchao #1091, except this specimen has the hammer handle over the sickle. This is an obvious characteristic, more distinguishable than the star size but never attributed. This is an authentic piece. This appears to be a plain 'large' star variety. Here are a number of RARE articles on Communist Chinese Soviet coins & notes from the Moneta Library: VIEW & DOWNLOAD: Chinese Soviet Coins and Notes - Raeburn (1st research 1937!): http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Chinese%20Soviet%20Coins%20and%20Notes%20-%20Raeburn.pdf Chinese Soviet Coins Intriguing - Hogan: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Chinese%20Soviet%20Coins%20Intriguing%20-%20Hogan.pdf Chinese Communist Armies - Kann (excerpt): http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Chinese%20Communist%20Armies%20-%20Kann.pdf Soviet Chinese Copper Coins - Hua Guangpu (Little Brown Book): http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Soviet%20Chinese%20Coppers%20-%20Hua%20Guangpu.pdf The premier articles on Early Chinese Soviet issues are the invaluable documents below. It covers the history, coins and notes from 1927-1935 and includes photos and a map: (with color photos; in 3 parts); Money of Communist China - Sandrock Part I: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/The_Money_of_Communist_China_1927-1949_-Part_I.pdf Money of Communist China - Sandrock Part II: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/The_Money_of_Communist_China_1927-1949_-Part_II.pdf Money of Communist China - Sandrock Part III: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/The_Money_of_Communist_China_1927-1949_-Part_III.pdf

Szechuan-Shensi Soviet Yuan w/ Decorative Stars 1934

Moneta — Sun, 14 May 2017 16:07:40 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: This is a second photo of another Soviet Dollar here in the Museum, here I have included a detailed photo of the edge. This is the rare variety with large, decorative stars (the rays have some irregular shapes rather than the common type with straight points). The obverse shows a globe with parts of China shown, there is a hammer & sickle superimposed. Note that Wenchou says that this is the Reverse side. In any case the characters on top mean "Unite, proletariat of the world"; the year '1934' is shown below. The KM reverse shows the value in the center as "One Yuan" circumscribed with the words "The Chinese Soviet Republic - Szechuan-Shensi". Made by the mint of this Soviet on the outskirts of Tongjiang city in Sichuan Province. It was issued by the Worker-Peasant Bank in December of 1933 and ciculated in that base-camp area. All examples I have examined (4) show the same minor details in the design and in die flaws. As this is a rare variety I believe that these were all struck with a single set of dies that were never re-tooled. The only rarer types are those with hollow or pentagram stars which I have never seen in hand. Please see another example in the Gallery at: http://www.moneta-coins.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=516&cat=630 Other references for this type is Wenchou #1094 & Kann 808a. Note that there are materials in the on-line library for the Chinese Soviet Army Base Camp issues. Here are a number of RARE articles on Communist Chinese Soviet coins & notes from the Moneta Library: VIEW & DOWNLOAD: Chinese Soviet Coins and Notes - Raeburn (1st research 1937!): http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Chinese%20Soviet%20Coins%20and%20Notes%20-%20Raeburn.pdf Chinese Soviet Coins Intriguing - Hogan: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Chinese%20Soviet%20Coins%20Intriguing%20-%20Hogan.pdf Chinese Communist Armies - Kann (excerpt): http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Chinese%20Communist%20Armies%20-%20Kann.pdf Soviet Chinese Copper Coins - Hua Guangpu (Little Brown Book): http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Soviet%20Chinese%20Coppers%20-%20Hua%20Guangpu.pdf The premier articles on Early Chinese Soviet issues are the invaluable documents below. It covers the history, coins and notes from 1927-1935 and includes photos and a map: (with color photos; in 3 parts); Money of Communist China - Sandrock Part I: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/The_Money_of_Communist_China_1927-1949_-Part_I.pdf Money of Communist China - Sandrock Part II: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/The_Money_of_Communist_China_1927-1949_-Part_II.pdf Money of Communist China - Sandrock Part III: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/The_Money_of_Communist_China_1927-1949_-Part_III.pdf

China Warlord of Kansu - 100 Cash

Moneta — Sun, 22 Jan 2017 18:44:44 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: Sand cast imitation of a Szechuan 100 Cash type of 1914. The Gansu (Kansu) Warlord family clique that issued these was an extended family under the name of Ma. I'll have a published story here eventually. Legend is similar to Szechuan Y 450.1 - this a second example here. Much better and clearer features in hand - not sure why the photo came out this way. The first half of the last century was a traumatic one for China, with much in-fighting and civil wars. Local warlords sprung up and the new government of the Republic of China set up by Chiang Kai-Shek exerted little control over much of the country. In Gansu province, a local warlord ruled much of the territory, as others did elsewhere. In order to pay troops and purchase supplies, the warlords minted their own coins by making cast copies of the 1914 100 Cash (Y450) coin from neighboring Sichuan province. These Gansu coins were issued between 1914 and the mid 1920s when a formal mint was established and province began to issue its own coinage. These coins were from brass recovered from melting imperial Chinese 1 Cash coins, which were still in circulation. Since it took about six 1 Cash coins worth of brass to make a single 100 Cash coin, the enterprise was quite profitable for the warlord. The coins are crudely cast, with a considerable variation in styles and sizes. - See more at: http://www.china-briefing.com/news/2008/01/04/1918-chinese-northern-warlord-issued-coins.html#sthash.2RBMbj56.dpuf

China - Warlord of Kansu

Moneta — Sun, 22 Jan 2017 18:27:34 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: Sand cast imitation of a Szechuan 20 Cash type of 1919. The Gansu (Kansu) War Lord family that issued these was an extended family under the name of Ma. I'll have a published story here eventually. Legend is similar to Szechuan Y 308b. This is a 2nd example. Another source says this was an issue of Governor Kong Fan Jing, ca.1920-1924.

CHINA (PEOPLES REPUBLIC)~1 Yuan 1988

Zantetsuken — Sat, 14 Jan 2017 04:41:05 -0500

by: Zantetsuken

Description: 30th Anniversary of the Kwangsi Province

Soviet Hammer & Sickle C/M on 200 Cash

Moneta — Mon, 28 Mar 2016 21:10:28 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: My latest acquisition on what seems like a counterfeit Sichuan 200 Cast.

Wan-Hsi-Pei 50 Cash 1932

Moneta — Fri, 04 Mar 2016 22:33:03 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: You'll find another of these in the museum but I saw this in Numismatic News, in an article by Donald Dool. He kindly sent me the photos so that I could present them here. It's in considerably different condition, and since I've always considered mine a fake (it doesn't exist in any catalog), this one presents a puzzle. Go to the other example and see what you think. The world of Chinese Soviets is truly fascinating. http://www.moneta-coins.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=247&title=wan-hsi-pei-soviet-fake&cat=630 to the other specimen. This obverse die type of the hammer & sickle side can also be seen on a 500 Cash type that I consider a fake, you can see it at this http://www.moneta-coins.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=220&title=szechuan-shensi-500-cfake&cat=630 . See the first link above for a much better comparison.

China Rep. - Fukien, Wuchang Uprising 2 Cash 1912 - 6 Stripes

Moneta — Sat, 20 Feb 2016 23:11:34 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: REPUBLIC OF CHINA: AE 2 cash. This is an unusual type as a cast coin of Fukien (Fujian) featuring a reverse bearing flags of the Chinese Republic, formed in 1912. These issues tend to be crude and when in AU condition they are quite rough, center hole is round. This 2 Cash piece, of which there are 5 and 6 stripe r. flag varieties, is the scarcer 6 stripe type. Hartill #24.6 (rarity 7); KM #375.1 OB: Fu Chien tong bao; RX: Er Wen (2 Cash). Fu Jian Tong Bao // Wuchang Uprising and Five-colored flags either side, er wen (two cash) above and below central hole, 6 stripes on flag variety. Likely cast only in the year 1912 during the first year of the Republic of China. The historical importance of this short series of cast coins, in an age of struck coins, can not be underestimated. The Wuchang Uprising was an armed rebellion against the ruling Qing dynasty that took place in Wuchang (now Wuchang District of Wuhan), Hubei, China on 10 October 1911, which was the beginning of the Xinhai Revolution that successfully overthrew China's last imperial dynasty. It was led by elements of the New Army, influenced by revolutionary ideas from Tongmenghui (see below). The uprising and the eventual revolution directly led to the downfall of the Qing dynasty with almost three centuries of imperial rule, and the establishment of the Republic of China (ROC), which commemorates the anniversary of the uprising's starting date of 10 October as the National Day of the Republic of China. The uprising originated from popular unrest about a railway crisis, and the planning process took advantage of the situation. On 10 October 1911, the New Army stationed in Wuchang launched an assault on the residence of the Viceroy of Huguang. The viceroy Ruicheng quickly fled from the residence, and the revolutionaries soon took control of the entire city. The Tongmenghui (or T'ung-meng Hui, variously translated as Chinese United League, United League, Chinese Revolutionary Alliance, Chinese Alliance, United Allegiance Society, 中國同盟會) was a secret society and underground resistance movement founded by Sun Yat-sen, Song Jiaoren, and others in Tokyo, Japan, on 20 August 1905. It was formed from the merger of multiple Chinese revolutionary groups in the late Qing dynasty. In August 1912, the Tongmenghui formed the nucleus of the Kuomintang, the governing political party of the republic. [Wikipedia] The flags in history and on the coins of this period are many and interesting. The '5 Colored' flag, the one on the right that defines the 5/6 stripe varieties, was the first flag of the Republic of China (1912 - 1928). It was widely flown even before the Republic of China in Shanghai and eastern parts of north China until 1928. The stripe representation (top to bottom): red for Han Chinese, yellow for Manchus, blue for Mongols, white for Hui and black for Tibetans. Later used by the Japanese puppet states of the East Hebei Autonomous Government, the Chinese Provisional Government and Reformed Government of China. It's also found on many of the struck coins of the Republic. The flag on the left is the Flag of the Wuchang uprising (1911 - 1912) and later an army flag of the Republic of China (1911-28). Background is red with a 9 armed black star patten tipped with gold (yellow) dots with a ring of center gold dots and sometimes showing a central gold dot.

Fukien 20c - Northern Expedition

Moneta — Sun, 15 Nov 2015 16:55:54 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: I post this coin here due to the importance of the 1927 Northern Expedition. The expedition consisted of the combined forces of the KMT and the Soviet Red Armies. It was a brief moment of a combined effort to rid northern China of the powerful War Lord forces dominating there. Before the expedition was over the KMT forces began purging the Communists. This caused a split that eventually progressed to Communist take-over the the Chinese mainland and the Nationalist/KMT population escaping to Formosa (Taiwan), the situation remains the same today. The reverse of this coin is most interesting. It seems to illustrate various symbols of sectors of the Chinese population in alliance to defeat the War Lords. Shown are a abacus, carbine rife, a slate with the symbol for 'north or northern' (looks like a lap-top computer, the 'screen' shows the symbol) and a hammer & sickle. Like most early Chinese renditions of the hammer it appears to be more like an axe. Obviously it must have been struck, or in the works, before the split. This coin is not in the Museum, it was sold at a Ponterio auction, Dec 2010, for $6000 +fees.

Fukien 20c - Northern Expedition

Moneta — Sun, 15 Nov 2015 16:55:54 -0500

CHINESE SOVIET REPUBLIC~20 Cents 1933

Zantetsuken — Wed, 01 Apr 2015 22:12:47 -0400

by: Zantetsuken

SINKIANG/XINJIANG (PROVINCE)~5 Miscal 1322 AH/1904 AD

Zantetsuken — Mon, 30 Mar 2015 01:36:13 -0400

by: Zantetsuken

Description: Mint: Kashgar

Chinese Empire - Chekiang Prov.

Moneta — Sun, 22 Mar 2015 18:06:04 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: Garden variety 10 Cash from Chekiang Province during the Chinese Empire period before the Republic. This common variety has the large Manchurian "Boo" of the left obverse. Legend is "Che-kiang Sheng Tsao"; center inscription is "Kuang-hsu Yuan-Pao" with rosette at center. The reverse features a center globe surrounded with a circle within the confines of a dragon. This type is often seen overstuck, and counterfeited by Japanese pirates on Korean 5 Fun pieces.

Communist Shipyard Union

Moneta — Sun, 22 Mar 2015 17:30:52 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: Overstruck, on what appears to be a Chinese Empire ten cash coin, the best estimation is that this medal or token is a Soviet era shipyard union piece. The character style is unusual and modern, evocative of western influence. My speculation at this point is that it's from Shanghai. I'm seeking a volunteer to translate this piece - please contact me at moneta@moneta-coins.com if you have a clue what this piece represents.

Tai Ping Dragon Charm

Moneta — Sun, 22 Mar 2015 16:51:45 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: Chinese charm of the late Qing period. I have several TaiPing or Secret Society charms here. The philosophy of these secret societies is complex and based on nationalism and religious practice. This is another piece that is expertly engraved and punched. Tai Ping Chin Hua (?) (R,L,T,B) loosely translated it means "Great Peace on Earth" as a declaration rather than a wish. I believe it might be Tai Ping related. Brass, 36mm & 17.34 g.

Hupeh Soviet Countermark

Moneta — Sun, 28 Sep 2014 20:17:56 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: Here's another RARE Chinese Red Army Base Area "Soviet" counterstamp featuring the Hammer and Sickle in Star. Several other examples are represented here in the Museum. The host coin is a Hupeh 10 Cash (Wen) of 1902 - 1905. The counterstamp is on the obverse at 2 o'clock. I've decided to enlarge the star countermark and impose it over the reverse. Most of these countermarks are on host coins that appear to be contemporary counterfeits. The only reference to these c/s coins were from the 'Money Company' coin auction of Sep. 1984 and a Gregory G. Brunk article in the Numismatics International "Bulletin" of Jul/Aug 2009. See my 20 Cash example which has two counterstamps. There are a number of articles on Communist Chinese Soviet coins & notes from the Moneta Library: The premier article on Early Chinese Soviet issues is the invaluable document written by Sandrock. It covers the history, coins and notes from 1927-1935 and includes photos and a map, see the Moneta Library. Moneta Library: FREE DOWNLOADs: Chinese Soviet Coins Intriguing - Hogan: [ link ] Chinese Soviet Coins and Notes - Raeburn: [ link ] Chinese Communist Armies - Kann: [ link ] The premier article on Early Chinese Soviet issues is the invaluable document below. It covers the history, coins and notes from 1927-1935 and includes photos and a map: Money of Communist China - Sandrock: [ link ]

China Rep. Gansu Warlord issue

Moneta — Sat, 17 May 2014 21:41:39 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: Sand cast imitation of a Szechuan 100 Cash type of 1914. The Gansu (Kansu) Warlord family clique that issued these was an extended family under the name of Ma. I'll have a published story here eventually. Legend is similar to Szechuan Y 450.1 The first half of the last century was a traumatic one for China, with much in-fighting and civil wars. Local warlords sprung up and the new government of the Republic of China set up by Chiang Kai-Shek exerted little control over much of the country. In Gansu province, a local warlord ruled much of the territory, as others did elsewhere. In order to pay troops and purchase supplies, the warlords minted their own coins by making cast copies of the 1914 100 Cash (Y450) coin from neighboring Sichuan province. These Gansu coins were issued between 1914 and the mid 1920s when a formal mint was established and province began to issue its own coinage. These coins were from brass recovered from melting imperial Chinese 1 Cash coins, which were still in circulation. Since it took about six 1 Cash coins worth of brass to make a single 100 Cash coin, the enterprise was quite profitable for the warlord. The coins are crudely cast, with a considerable variation in styles and sizes. - See more at: http://www.china-briefing.com/news/2008/01/04/1918-chinese-northern-warlord-issued-coins.html#sthash.2RBMbj56.dpuf

China - Republic, Warlord Cast Coin

Moneta — Sat, 17 May 2014 21:36:55 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: Sand cast imitation of a Szechuan 20 Cash type of 1919. The Gansu (Kansu) War Lord family that issued these was an extended family under the name of Ma. I'll have a published story here eventually. Legend is similar to Szechuan Y 308b. Another source says this was an issue of Governor Kong Fan Jing, ca.1920-1924.

Chinese Soviet 5 Cent RESTRIKE

Moneta — Fri, 07 Feb 2014 20:07:12 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: This is a second example here but this one was slabbed as MS62. Also, while these were described in the past as re-struck in the 1960's, a high end auction house now just lists them as 1960. Assuming this is correct, there should be someone there within living memory of the circumstances and purpose of these restrikes (tourist pieces similar to N. Korea?); all other types/denominations of restrikes were probably minted in 1960 as well. As this variety restrike seems to coincide with version 2 originals (the most common), these restrikes could be used as a basis upon which to classify and delineate the original varieties. Moneta Library: FREE DOWNLOADs: Chinese Soviet Coins Intriguing - Hogan: http://snk.to/f-c7ul6ifn Chinese Soviet Coins and Notes - Raeburn: http://snk.to/f-chjevsqi Chinese Communist Armies - Kann: http://snk.to/f-c7csg5lj The premier article on Early Chinese Soviet issues is the invaluable document below. It covers the history, coins and notes from 1927-1935 and includes photos and a map: Money of Communist China - Sandrock: http://snk.to/f-chiwzq2f

Soviet Republic 5 Cents v. 4

Moneta — Fri, 07 Feb 2014 19:53:50 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: This is a second example of the version 4 with Hianan Island far from the mainland. The Hua Pu book list this as x5 scarcer than v. 2. See the other Y507 listings for more info. Like ALL of these, if you look you'll find evidence of reeding. CHINA: CHINESE SOVIET REPUBLIC: AE 5 fen, ND (1932), Y-507, original strike, issue of the Kiangsi Soviet. The Chinese Soviet Republic is often referred to in historical sources as the Jiangxi Soviet (after its largest component territory, the Jiangxi-Fujian Soviet). It was established in November 1931 by future Communist Party of China leader Mao Zedong, General Zhu De and others, and it lasted until 1937. Moneta Library: FREE DOWNLOADs: Chinese Soviet Coins Intriguing - Hogan: http://snk.to/f-c7ul6ifn Chinese Soviet Coins and Notes - Raeburn: http://snk.to/f-chjevsqi Chinese Communist Armies - Kann: http://snk.to/f-c7csg5lj The premier article on Early Chinese Soviet issues is the invaluable document below. It covers the history, coins and notes from 1927-1935 and includes photos and a map: Money of Communist China - Sandrock: http://snk.to/f-chiwzq2f