Moneta's Temple and Gallery

Tai Ping - 1 Cash w/muled obverse

Moneta — Sun, 29 Oct 2017 19:30:45 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: Tai Ping 1 Cash with the reverse side mirroring the obverse. Characters 太平天国, "Tai Ping Tian Guo" [t,b,r,l] meaning "Heavenly Kingdom Sacred Currency". This exact type is listed in Ma & Ma "Encyclopedia of Tai Ping Currency" (T199 p. 90, 1994 ISBN 7-208-01864-2/K .416). This listing places this coin in the 'regular' TaiPing coinage section as opposed to fantasies and fakes, etc. in other sections. Unfortunately, even though there is a short paragraph describing this coin, I can not read Chinese. This coin is listed in a short sub-section of the book featuring only five coins and has a long paragraph about these 5 and a short one about each coin depicted in the rubbings. I would be thrilled to send somebody the three pages for a translation. This is cataloged in Zeno.ru www.Zeno.ru as Coin # 186988; 3.46 g and 22.5 mm. See a muled 50 Cash size coin here in the Museum at: http://www.moneta-coins.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=326&title=taiping-50-w-2fmuled-obverse&cat=634 VIEW and DOWNLOAD: THE TWO Most Worthy Articles on the coins of the Tai P'ing Rebellion: Money of the Kingdom of Heavenly Peace - Sandrock: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Money%20of%20Kingdom%20of%20Heavenly%20Peace.pdf Chinese Secret Society Coins & Tokens - Wang: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Chinese%20Secret%20Society%20Coins%20&%20Tokens%20-%20Wang.pdf I've scanned a few pages of Ma & Ma's "Encyclopedia of Tai Ping Currency" concerning these 'muled' cash coins. From the Contents of the book it's Chapter 7, Section 14 & 15. My translator (a non-collector college student from China) had Section 14 (where T199 resides) translated as 'wrong coin of Taipingtianguo' and Section 15 as 'error coin of Taipingtianguo.' You can view and download these pages at this: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/MaMa_TaiPing_T199.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 Tael coin issued during the Tai Ping Rebellion. I'm always seeking further information on this coin and series. Obverse characters are 'Tian Guo' [ 天国 - vertical] while the two reverse characters are 'Sheng Bao' [聖宝 - horizontal w/ abbreviated 'Bao']. These scarce coins, with a crafting technique similar to the official 1/2 & 1/4 Tael pieces of the Tai-Pings, 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. See below... VIEW & DOWNLOAD: 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 In Dong Wenchao's excellent book: "An Overview of China's Gold & Silver Coins of Past Ages - the Gold and Silver Coins and Medals of Modern China" there's a short history with four known, rare, hand-engraved silver coins, including this one. See it at this: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Tai%20Ping%20Silver%20coins%20-%20Wenchao.pdf Here's a direct link to the discussion on Zeno.ru, including Bruce Smith's commentary. Much of this happened before I discoved the two sources that include this coin in the silver issues of the TaiPing; see this: https://www.zeno.ru/showphoto.php?photo=187013 Additional info on Tai Ping coinage at this Y.K Leung site: https://ykleungn.tripod.com/taiping.htm 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.

Tai Ping Rebels - 50 Cash

Moneta — Sun, 14 Feb 2016 10:39:13 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: EXTREMELY RARE China Very Large Tai Ping Tien Kuo 50 Cash (1856-1860). Tai Ping Tien Kuo -“TAIPING HEAVENLY KINGDOM” on the obverse, and Sheng Bao-“SACRED CURRENCY” on the reverse. Purchased in 1991, from the Scott Semans Auction, of the famous Daniel Ch’ing Collection, (Lot # 570) this is a borrowed photo and description to help fill out the museum. This actual coin is the Krause Catalog Plate Coin (C#38.2), and was formerly in the Daniel Ch’ing Collection. This coin is listed as C#38.2 in the Krause Catalog. Diameter: 54 mm. or 2 and 1/8-inch in diameter. The catalog listed this piece as VG-F and it sold for $245 before fees, today (2-2016) the asking price is nearly $4.5k, and it came with all original envelopes, etc. from the 1991 D. Ching sale. Hartill Qing #4.17 (Type 4.1) The Taiping Rebellion was a massive civil war in southern China from 1850 to 1864, against the ruling Manchu Qing dynasty. It was a millenarian movement led by Hong Xiuquan, who announced that he had received visions, in which he learned that he was the younger brother of Jesus. At least 20 million people died, mainly civilians, in one of the deadliest military conflicts in history. Hong established the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom with its capital at Nanjing. The Kingdom's army controlled large parts of southern China, at its height ruling about 30 million people. The rebel agenda included social reforms such as shared "property in common", equality for women, and the replacement of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Chinese folk religion with their form of Christianity. Because of their refusal to wear the queue (pony tail), Taiping combatants were nicknamed "Longhairs" (simplified Chinese: 长毛; traditional Chinese: 長毛; pinyin: Chángmáo) by the Qing government, which besieged the Taiping armies throughout the rebellion. The Qing government eventually crushed the rebellion with the aid of French and British forces. In the 20th century, Sun Yat-sen, founder of the Chinese Nationalist Party, looked on the rebellion as an inspiration, and Chinese leader Mao Zedong glorified the Taiping rebels as early heroic revolutionaries against a corrupt feudal system. VIEW and DOWNLOAD: THE TWO Most Worthy Articles on the coins of the Tai P'ing Rebellion: Money of the Kingdom of Heavenly Peace - Sandrock: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Money%20of%20Kingdom%20of%20Heavenly%20Peace.pdf Chinese Secret Society Coins & Tokens - Wang: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Chinese%20Secret%20Society%20Coins%20&%20Tokens%20-%20Wang.pdf

Tai Ping Ping Ching Ch'ien Ying

Moneta — Sat, 10 Nov 2012 17:28:14 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: Part of the Tai Ping Rebel era. Li Wenmao was the leader of the Guangdong Triad Society. He came to prominence in March of 1857 and occupied Liuzhou in Guangxi. He called himself the "Pingjing" or 'Restorer of Peace' King. He was defeated in the following year. The character 'sheng' (to vanquish) is found in the names of the lodges of the Heaven and Earth Society. The character 'ying' means garrison or camp, and the division into middle, rear, front, left, and right was a feature of the Triad Society's guerrilla armies. Ob: Pingjing shengbao Rx: Qain [Ch'ien] ying (rear camp) to the right and left of hole. Hartill Qing 4.82; Jen 890; FD 2692; C#39-10 VIEW and DOWNLOAD: THE TWO Most Worthy Articles on the coins of the Tai P'ing Rebellion: Money of the Kingdom of Heavenly Peace - Sandrock: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Money%20of%20Kingdom%20of%20Heavenly%20Peace.pdf Chinese Secret Society Coins & Tokens - Wang: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Chinese%20Secret%20Society%20Coins%20&%20Tokens%20-%20Wang.pdf

China - Tai Ping Rebellion

Moneta — Sat, 10 Nov 2012 16:59:42 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: Part of the Tai Ping Rebel era. Li Wenmao was the leader of the Guangdong Triad Society. He came to prominence in March of 1857 and occupied Liuzhou in Guangxi. He called himself the "Pingjing" or 'Restorer of Peace' King. He was defeated in the following year. The character 'sheng' [to vanquish] is found in the names of the lodges of the Heaven and Earth Society. The character 'ying' means garrison or camp, and the division into middle, rear, front, left, and right was a feature of the Triad Society's guerrilla armies. Ob: Pingjing shengbao Rx: Changsheng jun [or Chun]["ever victorious army"] above, right and left of hole. There is another posted here that appears to be fake. 26.5 mm, 6.7 gm; C#39-11, Hartill Qing 4.87, FD 2699, Jen 891 VIEW and DOWNLOAD: THE TWO Most Worthy Articles on the coins of the Tai P'ing Rebellion: Money of the Kingdom of Heavenly Peace - Sandrock: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Money%20of%20Kingdom%20of%20Heavenly%20Peace.pdf Chinese Secret Society Coins & Tokens - Wang: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Chinese%20Secret%20Society%20Coins%20&%20Tokens%20-%20Wang.pdf

Tai Ping Sheng Bao

Moneta — Sat, 30 Jun 2012 16:25:02 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: OB: T'ai P'ing Tien kuo RX: Sheng boa (vertical) 29.7 mm; 9.6 g grizzly but it's too small to conform to standards for this type as shown in references - therefore authenticity is in doubt. VIEW and DOWNLOAD: THE TWO Most Worthy Articles on the coins of the Tai P'ing Rebellion: Money of the Kingdom of Heavenly Peace - Sandrock: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Money%20of%20Kingdom%20of%20Heavenly%20Peace.pdf Chinese Secret Society Coins & Tokens - Wang: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Chinese%20Secret%20Society%20Coins%20&%20Tokens%20-%20Wang.pdf

White Lotus Branch of the Heaven & Earth Society

Moneta — Sat, 30 Jun 2012 16:15:28 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: Zhi Tung tong bao - Tai Ping related rebel coin that is found in the book "Coins of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom" by Ma & Ma (H# 55). HARTILL# 23.45. A very Rare type. The following is a Google translation of page# 211, Ma Dingxiang & Ma Fude: "Coins of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom", Shanghai 1994 Appendix 1: Coins of Tiandihui (4) The coin of the No. 1 Army, Sitong Tongbao "Sitong Tongbao" Qian Duo was mainly found in the area of Guizhou Province, but it may be from elsewhere. There have always been different opinions. Some people think it is money from the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom, while others think it is unexamined. In fact, it has been tested, and it is a coin belonging to the No. 1 army of the White Lotus Sect system of the Tiandihui. The Haojun Army was a peasant uprising army that fought against the Qing Dynasty in Guizhou Province during the Xianfeng and Tongzhi years. Its leader Liu Yishun was the leader of the "Denghua Sect", a branch of the White Lotus Sect in Guizhou. In December of the seventh year of Xianfeng (AD 1857), Liu Yishun and others revolted in Sinan County and established Yuanjiang Han. Zhu Mingyue (born in Zunyi, Guizhou, formerly known as Zhang Baoshan) was conferred the title of King of Qin, commonly known as King Zhu. According to "Liu Yishun's Confessions": All the troops from all walks of life "all heard the wind and responded, and they all recognized me as the ancestor, and they all listened to my orders. I established Zhu Mingyue as the heir to the Allah, cast seals, cast coins, and published yellow cards to call There were hundreds of thousands of soldiers and horses, and they disturbed dozens of prefectures and counties in Guizhou." [1] In the third year of Tongzhi (AD 1864), Zhu Mingyue proclaimed himself emperor, and established the name Sitong, instead of using the Jianghan year name. [2] The Seventh Year of Tongzhi (AD 1868) The army uprising failed. Volume 2 of Li Shuchang's "Humble Zun Garden Series" also mentioned: Zhu Mingyue Jianyuan "Si Tong", "casting Si Tong Qian Xingzhi". "Cultural Relics" magazine also mentioned in a special article: ""Guizhou Tongzhi", "Zunyi Fuzhi" and "Suiyang County Chronicles" and other books record that Zhang (Baoshan) lived between Xianfeng Gengshen, Xinyou and Tongzhi Renxu and Guihai. (A.D. 1860-1863), according to the uprisings in Zunyi, Wuchuan, and Sinan, he claimed to be a descendant of the Ming Dynasty, named King Qin, and once cast heir Tongqian.”[3] According to the "Concise Chronology of Chinese History", the reign title of Liu Yishun (note: that is Liu Yishun) was recorded in Sitong (Qing Dynasty), which we believe is inconsistent with historical facts. [4] (1) Quoted from "Records of the Peasant Uprising Army in Guizhou during the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom Period" compiled and interpreted by Gu Longgang, Guizhou People's Publishing House, 1986 edition, p. 41. (2) Ibid., p. 26. [Translation ends] The Tiandihui, the Heaven and Earth Society, also called Hongmen (the Vast Family), is a Chinese fraternal organization and historically a secretive folk religious sect in the vein of the Ming loyalist White Lotus Sect, the Tiandihui's ancestral organization. As the Tiandihui spread through different counties and provinces, it branched off into many groups and became known by many names, including the Sanhehui. The Hongmen grouping is today more or less synonymous with the whole Tiandihui concept, although the title "Hongmen" is also claimed by some criminal groups. Its current iteration is purely secular. Under British rule in Hong Kong, all Chinese secret societies were collectively seen as criminal threats and were bundled together and defined as "Triads", although the Hongmen might be said to have differed in its nature from others. The name of the "Three Harmonies Society" (the "Sanhehui" grouping of the Tiandihui) is in fact the source of the term "Triad" that has become synonymous with Chinese organized crime. Because of that heritage, the Tiandihui (more commonly known there as "Triads') is both controversial and prohibited in Hong Kong. [Wikipedia] VIEW and DOWNLOAD: THE TWO Most Worthy Articles on the coins of the Tai P'ing Rebellion: Money of the Kingdom of Heavenly Peace - Sandrock: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Money%20of%20Kingdom%20of%20Heavenly%20Peace.pdf Chinese Secret Society Coins & Tokens - Wang: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Chinese%20Secret%20Society%20Coins%20&%20Tokens%20-%20Wang.pdf

Tai Ping Rebellion - lead, Fake!

Moneta — Sun, 19 Dec 2010 15:55:11 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: Here's another, and better example of a lead Tai Ping Rebellion 'coin'. It is listed in Ma & Ma "Encylopedia of Tai Ping Rebellion Money" as TY# 60, which says it a Fake. This places this piece, and the other example I have, in an "other" category, which is, in fact, counterfeit. Don't ask me how a lead counterfeit is supposed to pass as a brass coin. It's still interesting, don't you think? 26 mm, 8.59 g VIEW and DOWNLOAD: THE TWO Most Worthy Articles on the coins of the Tai P'ing Rebellion: Money of the Kingdom of Heavenly Peace - Sandrock: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Money%20of%20Kingdom%20of%20Heavenly%20Peace.pdf Chinese Secret Society Coins & Tokens - Wang: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Chinese%20Secret%20Society%20Coins%20&%20Tokens%20-%20Wang.pdf

TaiPing - white metal

Moneta — Sun, 19 Dec 2010 15:42:30 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: Tai Ping Rebellion. Hartill Type 6, Value 1; HQ#4.26. 1861-1864. Off metal; equates to Ma&Ma # 159 (?); I am not able to read Ma & Ma, so I'm not sure if a white metal coin is in the realm of possibility as an authentic piece. Then again, why fake a non-existant coin? This one requires further research. OB: Tian guo (t,b); Tai ping (r,l). Rx: Shengbao (r,l). 4.58 g at 24 mm VIEW and DOWNLOAD: THE TWO Most Worthy Articles on the coins of the Tai P'ing Rebellion: Money of the Kingdom of Heavenly Peace - Sandrock: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Money%20of%20Kingdom%20of%20Heavenly%20Peace.pdf Chinese Secret Society Coins & Tokens - Wang: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Chinese%20Secret%20Society%20Coins%20&%20Tokens%20-%20Wang.pdf

Taiping 5 Cash Error

Moneta — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 14:31:00 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: Tai P'ing Error Coin. Hartill 'Qing' has these as Type 6 coins with a value of 5. This one failed to have the hole formed and a sprue detachment problem left a chunk missing, it has also never been filed for finishing. It probably rejected by the coiner even with their lax standards. A rare example but not the only T.P. coin with an error in this collection, see the muled obverse coin in this museum. OB: Tian Guo Tai ping (t,b,r,l) RX: Sheng bao (horizontal) Hartill 'Qing' # 4.26; Ma&Ma T160 Mass of 7.8 is unrepresentative; 27.2 mm also. - authenticity doubtful VIEW and DOWNLOAD: THE TWO Most Worthy Articles on the coins of the Tai P'ing Rebellion: Money of the Kingdom of Heavenly Peace - Sandrock: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Money%20of%20Kingdom%20of%20Heavenly%20Peace.pdf Chinese Secret Society Coins & Tokens - Wang: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Chinese%20Secret%20Society%20Coins%20&%20Tokens%20-%20Wang.pdf

Taiping Xiaoping type

Moneta — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 14:18:30 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: Tai P'ing Rebellion era of the small Xiaoping type. Ma&Ma # T142; this type is not in Hartill. 18 mm at 3.4 gm. & 2mm thick. An unusual type. VIEW and DOWNLOAD: THE TWO Most Worthy Articles on the coins of the Tai P'ing Rebellion: Money of the Kingdom of Heavenly Peace - Sandrock: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Money%20of%20Kingdom%20of%20Heavenly%20Peace.pdf Chinese Secret Society Coins & Tokens - Wang: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Chinese%20Secret%20Society%20Coins%20&%20Tokens%20-%20Wang.pdf

Tai Ping small coin

Moneta — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 13:20:15 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: Tai P'ing Rebellion. 1 Cash. OB: Taiping Shengbao (t,b,r,l) RX: Tian guo (r,l) Hartill# 23.25; Hartill 'Qing' #4.31, Type 9.2 (scarcity 5) 23 mm; 4.32 gm (1861-64) Ma&Ma # T170 VIEW and DOWNLOAD: THE TWO Most Worthy Articles on the coins of the Tai P'ing Rebellion: Money of the Kingdom of Heavenly Peace - Sandrock: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Money%20of%20Kingdom%20of%20Heavenly%20Peace.pdf Chinese Secret Society Coins & Tokens - Wang: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Chinese%20Secret%20Society%20Coins%20&%20Tokens%20-%20Wang.pdf

Tai Ping - Huang Di, Secret society

Moneta — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 13:03:24 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: Tai P'ing Rebellion era coinage of a secret society associated with Small Sword or Heaven & Earth society. "Emperors Coinage"; a late issue from the area of Zhejiang Province. OB: Huangdi tongbao (t,b,r,l) RX: "Sheng" above the hole Badly corroded and cleaned. 25.5 mm; 5.14 gm. Hartill# 23.40; Hartill Qing # 4.56 type 1.1 (1858 - 64, scarcity 3). Ma&Ma H67. Jen 894 The Society's headquarters were in the Yuyuan Gardens of Shanghai. The organization was founded in the 1850s during the upheavals of the Taiping Rebellion by Liu Lichuan. He took the nien hao (reign title) of Tian Yun (heavenly movement). It was one of a number of rebel groups to arise during this period, either affiliated with or proclaiming support for the rebel Taiping administration. The name Xiao Dao ("Small Swords") refers to daggers used by warriors or martial artists in close combat. It is believed to be linked to triads. The society consisted mainly of natives from Guangdong and Fujian, including Li Shaoqing, Li Xianyun and Pan Yiguo, directors of some of the huiguan or native place associations of Shanghai. Liu Lichang was killed in February 1855. Those caught in possession of these coins were sent to trial and many were executed. VIEW and DOWNLOAD: THE TWO Most Worthy Articles on the coins of the Tai P'ing Rebellion: Money of the Kingdom of Heavenly Peace - Sandrock: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Money%20of%20Kingdom%20of%20Heavenly%20Peace.pdf Chinese Secret Society Coins & Tokens - Wang: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Chinese%20Secret%20Society%20Coins%20&%20Tokens%20-%20Wang.pdf

Taiping - Golden Coin Society

Moneta — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 12:08:48 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: Tai P'ing Era issue type of the Golden Coin Secret Society. As a secret membership badge these are not considered coins. Ma & Ma list these (as well as other Chinese Ref works) - this is Ma&Ma H39. Tai Ping Rebellion; Golden Coin Society (a branch of the Heaven & Earth Society). According to Helen Wang's excellent article (See Library), this piece is a standard late issue membership badge (these 8 trigram pieces are Secret Society membership badges - Not coins). There are two translations of the Ob: 1) 'Jin gian yi ji' (r,l,t,b), "Golden coin mark of loyalty; or 2) 'Yi Ji Jin gian' (t,b,r,l) as "Mark of Loyalty - A golden coin". RX: 4 linked lozenges; said to symbolize four faces & 8 directions, meaning "everywhere". Large type with character "Li" above the hole. Ma & Ma's 'Encyclopedia of Tai Ping Coins' shows this variety (H-39). 46 mm, 32.19 gm. V.Scarce. From Steve Album: The Golden Coin Society, a branch of the Tiandihui (Heaven and Earth Society) that was active during the Taiping Rebellion, was a fraternal organization dedicated to removing the Manchus from China. Their name was initially derived from their membership badge, a pair of Kang Xi Tong Bao coins fixed back to back by a red silk thread, so as to obscure the Manchu inscriptions on the reverse. As the society grew, more personalized badges were needed. Several varieties of these 'coins' exist, all with a curiously written jin character. The first two strokes of the word are written in a way that resembles the element ru (enter). For definitive articles on the Tai Ping Rebellion and other Secret Society coins and membership badges - follow these links to the Moneta Library: VIEW and DOWNLOAD: THE TWO Most Worthy Articles on the coins of the Tai P'ing Rebellion: Money of the Kingdom of Heavenly Peace - Sandrock: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Money%20of%20Kingdom%20of%20Heavenly%20Peace.pdf Chinese Secret Society Coins & Tokens - Wang: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Chinese%20Secret%20Society%20Coins%20&%20Tokens%20-%20Wang.pdf

China - Taiping, Heaven & Earth Society

Moneta — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 14:34:30 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: Heaven and Earth associated society issue or 'Other Secret society' of the late Taiping Rebellion period (1864). Cast in the Zhegiang area, a base of operations for this 'Destroy Ch'ing, Restore Ming' association. OB: T'ien Ch'ao tung pao, or Tianchao tong bao, "Coinage of the Heavenly Dynasty." RX: 'Yong' upside-down below the hole. KM#39-8; Jen 893; FD2704; Ma & Ma H66; Hartill 'Qing' #4.55; Hartill #23.39 VIEW and DOWNLOAD: THE TWO Most Worthy Articles on the coins of the Tai P'ing Rebellion: Money of the Kingdom of Heavenly Peace - Sandrock: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Money%20of%20Kingdom%20of%20Heavenly%20Peace.pdf Chinese Secret Society Coins & Tokens - Wang: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Chinese%20Secret%20Society%20Coins%20&%20Tokens%20-%20Wang.pdf

China - Taiping, Heaven & Earth

Moneta — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 14:18:32 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: Heaven and Earth associated society issue of 'Other Secret society' of the late Taiping Rebellion period (1864). Cast in the Chekiang & Fukien area, a base of operations for this 'Destroy Ch'ing, Restore Ming' association. OB: Kai Yuan tong bao; 'Inaugural coinage'. RX: "Wu' to the right of hole. KM#39-7; Jen 898; Ma& Ma H61; FD2703; Hartill 'Qing' #4.53, Type 1.2; Hartill #23.37 23 mm; 5.7 gm VIEW and DOWNLOAD: THE TWO Most Worthy Articles on the coins of the Tai P'ing Rebellion: Money of the Kingdom of Heavenly Peace - Sandrock: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Money%20of%20Kingdom%20of%20Heavenly%20Peace.pdf Chinese Secret Society Coins & Tokens - Wang: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Chinese%20Secret%20Society%20Coins%20&%20Tokens%20-%20Wang.pdf

China - Taiping, Heaven & Earth Society

Moneta — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 13:58:42 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: Heaven and Earth associated society issue of 'Other Secret society' of the late Taiping Rebellion period (1864). Cast in the Zhegiang area, a base of operations for this 'Destroy Ch'ing, Restore Ming' association. OB: Huang Di tong bao (t,b,l,r), "Emperor's coinage." RX: 'Sheng' above hole, means "sacred" Jen 894; FD2707; Hartill 'Qing' #4.56; Hartill #23.40 26 mm; 6.1 gm VIEW and DOWNLOAD: THE TWO Most Worthy Articles on the coins of the Tai P'ing Rebellion: Money of the Kingdom of Heavenly Peace - Sandrock: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Money%20of%20Kingdom%20of%20Heavenly%20Peace.pdf Chinese Secret Society Coins & Tokens - Wang: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Chinese%20Secret%20Society%20Coins%20&%20Tokens%20-%20Wang.pdf

China - Taiping, Pingjing

Moneta — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 13:32:20 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: Part of the Tai Ping Rebel era. Li Wenmao was the leader of the Guangdong Triad Society. He came to prominence in March of 1857 and occupied Liuzhou in Guangxi. He called himself the "Pingjing" or 'Restorer of Peace' King. He was defeated in the following year. The character 'sheng' (to vanquish) is found in the names of the lodges of the Heaven and Earth Society. The character 'ying' means garrison or camp, and the division into middle, rear, front, left, and right was a feature of the Triad Society's guerrilla armies. Ob: Pingjing shengbao Rx: You ying (right camp; r,l) Hartill# 23.51; Hartill Qing 4.85; C# 39-15 VIEW and DOWNLOAD: THE TWO Most Worthy Articles on the coins of the Tai P'ing Rebellion: Money of the Kingdom of Heavenly Peace - Sandrock: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Money%20of%20Kingdom%20of%20Heavenly%20Peace.pdf Chinese Secret Society Coins & Tokens - Wang: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Chinese%20Secret%20Society%20Coins%20&%20Tokens%20-%20Wang.pdf

China - Boxer Rebellion 1900

Moneta — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 13:32:19 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: This coin is not an issue of the Taiping period. The "Fists of Righteous Harmony," or 'Boxers' as they were known in the west, rebeled against the foreigners and the Ch'ing (Qing) Dynasty at the turn of the last century (1900). The Empress Dowager Tsu Hsi manipulated them to concentrate their anger against the western powers greedily fighting over their portion of a weakened China and forcing trade concessions. OB: shui lu ping an (r-l-t-b); Rx: at left - dao, a broadsword; at right - cha, a spear or pitch fork (Guandao and Trident, 坎 Kan hexagram; both are common weapon used by the Boxers); at bottom - the Kan, one of the eight Ba-Gua (trigrams). This is sign of water. The Boxers rebellion (Ihetuan) has 8 main divisions, all based on the eight signs of Ba-Gua. Kan division was based in Tianjin (Tientsin); at top - the Big Dipper (The Ursa Major). For the revealing article on the discovery of this authentic historical coin: Boxer Rebellion Coin - Ma Chuan De: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Boxer%20Rebellion%20Article.pdf Figure 1 in the Ma Chuan De article above is a rubbing. I've located a photo, of what is perhaps an authentic example of this very rare coin. You can see it at Zeno.ru with this: https://www.zeno.ru/showphoto.php?photo=217711 For a concise history of the end of thousands of years of Chinese dynastic rule go to this web link: http://www.smplanet.com/imperialism/fists.html I have not found this interesting piece in Hartill. Jen (p. 177, #903) has a bit of info on it. While some numismatists claim it is a coin of the Boxers, others contend it is a charm issued by merchants. The obverse legend (Seal script) says "Shui Lu Ping An", which means 'safe passage by land and sea.' Another writer's interpretation is: "Ping Shui An Lu" in archaic seal script, literally "peaceful water tranquil land", but more poetically as "may there be peace and safety at sea and on land". This would indicate a Boxer origin as well as the reverse which features one of the eight trigrams (water) and weapons used and demonstrated by the Boxers. Another view is that, since the Boxers were peasant farmers using martial arts, the weapons or farm tools were the ones that their religion said they were immune from. More research needs to be done on these. Brass, 26mm; 8.16 gm

China - Taiping, Small Sword Society

Moneta — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 12:55:08 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: These were issued in the Zhejiang area like many Heaven & Earth secret society coins, but these are listed as an associated group operating late in the Tai Ping period (Small Sword Society;1858 - 64). The Society's headquarters were in the Yuyuan Gardens of Shanghai. The organization was founded in the 1850s during the upheavals of the Taiping Rebellion by Liu Lichuan. He took the nien hao (reign title) of Tian Yun (heavenly movement). It was one of a number of rebel groups to arise during this period, either affiliated with or proclaiming support for the rebel Taiping administration. The name ("Small Swords") refers to daggers used by warriors or martial artists in close combat. It is believed to be linked to triads. The society consisted mainly of natives from Guangdong and Fujian, including Li Shaoqing, Li Xianyun and Pan Yiguo, directors of some of the huiguan or native place associations of Shanghai. Liu Lichang was killed in February 1855. Those caught in possession of these coins were sent to trail and many were executed. OB: Tai Ping Tong bao (t,b,l,r) RX: character 'Wen' above hole Hartill 'Qing' #4.50; or Hartill #23.34; FD2701; Ma & Ma H62; KM C#39-3. Rare. 25.5 mm; 6.60 gm Small Swords Society was a political and military organization active in Shanghai, China and neighbouring areas during the Taiping Rebellion. The organization was founded in the 1850s during the upheavals of the Taiping Rebellion. It was one of a number of rebel groups to arise during this period, either affiliated with or proclaiming support for the Taiping administration. The name ("Small Swords") refers to daggers used by warriors or martial artists in close combat. In 1853, the Society occupied the walled (Chinese) city of Shanghai, and occupied most of the Chinese sections of the city. They did not, however, invade the foreign concessions. Large numbers of Chinese refugees from surrounding areas flooded into the foreign concessions in this period, dramatically increasing the population there and giving rise to the prevalent longtang or shikumen-style housing which came to dominate Shanghai by the early 20th Century. The Society's headquarters were in the Yu Garden of Shanghai, at the heart of the old city and today a popular tourist attraction and shopping district. There is a small museum displaying artefacts of the Society in the gardens. Conflict broke out between the Fujian and Guangdong factions, over whether they should leave with the loot they had acquired. At first, the British and American authorities remained neutral, while the French supported the imperial government. However, some British and American sailors joined up with the Small Swords Society. When French troops were sent in to support Qing imperial troops, this caused the situation of whites fighting whites. The British and American authorities then declared the sailors' actions illegal and joined in support for the imperial armies. VIEW and DOWNLOAD: THE TWO Most Worthy Articles on the coins of the Tai P'ing Rebellion: Money of the Kingdom of Heavenly Peace - Sandrock: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Money%20of%20Kingdom%20of%20Heavenly%20Peace.pdf Chinese Secret Society Coins & Tokens - Wang: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Chinese%20Secret%20Society%20Coins%20&%20Tokens%20-%20Wang.pdf

China - Small Sword Society

Moneta — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 22:40:01 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: Tai Ping Rebellion era of the Ch'ing (Qing) Dynasty; this coin was issue by the Small Sword Society, a secret society dedicated to the overthrow of the Manchu Qing dynasty. Issued in 1853 - 1854? OB: Tai Ping Tung Pao (or Tong Bao; t,b,l,r). RX: Crescent and character for 'Sun' INSCRIBED! (Sun & Moon); see Helen Wang (Heaven & Earth Soc. article) for the secret language embodied in the symbolism. These symbols implied the meaning of "Overthrow the Qing, Restore the Ming." Those caught with these coins were jailed or executed! Attribution of this coin is uncertain. Sources claim that certain early Tai Ping related coins were first cast in lead. This coin is made of a lead or lead alloy. Again, the reverse appears to have an incribed character for 'sun' rather than the traditional Dot symbol representing the sun. Additionally, the character is formed from two strokes (ri + yue) which together embody the secret society symbol for "MING!" Again, see Helen Wang's article. 26 mm; 3.6 gm Similar to Jen 892; C#39-2; Ma & Ma H94 Any help with attribution would be greatly appreciated. The Society's headquarters were in the Yuyuan Gardens of Shanghai. The organization was founded in the 1850s during the upheavals of the Taiping Rebellion by Liu Lichuan. He took the nien hao (reign title) of Tian Yun (heavenly movement). It was one of a number of rebel groups to arise during this period, either affiliated with or proclaiming support for the rebel Taiping administration. The name Xiao Dao ("Small Swords") refers to daggers used by warriors or martial artists in close combat. It is believed to be linked to triads. The society consisted mainly of natives from Guangdong and Fujian, including Li Shaoqing, Li Xianyun and Pan Yiguo, directors of some of the huiguan or native place associations of Shanghai. Liu Lichang was killed in February 1855. Those caught in possession of these coins were sent to trial and many were executed. VIEW and DOWNLOAD: THE TWO Most Worthy Articles on the coins of the Tai P'ing Rebellion: Money of the Kingdom of Heavenly Peace - Sandrock: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Money%20of%20Kingdom%20of%20Heavenly%20Peace.pdf Chinese Secret Society Coins & Tokens - Wang: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Chinese%20Secret%20Society%20Coins%20&%20Tokens%20-%20Wang.pdf

China - Small Sword Society

Moneta — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 22:38:49 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: Tai Ping Rebellion era of the Ch'ing (Qing) Dynasty?; this coin may have been issued by the Small Sword Society, a secret society dedicated to the overthrow of the Manchu Qing dynasty. Issued in 1854? OB: Tai Ping Tung Pao (or Tong Bao; t,b,l,r), with 4 dots separating each character. I have not found this coin or anything close in any reference I have. I'm requesting help in attributing it or opinions on it's authenticity. RX: plain. 25 mm; 4.1 gm

China - Small Sword Society

Moneta — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 20:29:12 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: Tai Ping Rebellion era of the Ch'ing (Qing) Dynasty; this coin was issue by the Small Sword Society, a secret society dedicated to the overthrow of the Manchu Qing dynasty. Issued in 1853 - 54. Attribution in doubt - most likely an issue of the Northern Song. Cresent moon does not conform to the typical thin 'finger nail' like imprint. Appears more bronze and brass-like, which is the main distinguishing feature of a N Song 'Taiping' coin. Needs more research, can you help? OB: Tai Ping Tung Pao (or Tong Bao; t,b,l,r). RX: Crescent (above, small); see Helen Wang (Heaven & Earth Soc. article) for the secret language embodied in the symbolism. 24 mm; 3 gm Jen 892 The Society's headquarters were in the Yuyuan Gardens of Shanghai. The organization was founded in the 1850s during the upheavals of the Taiping Rebellion by Liu Lichuan. He took the nien hao (reign title) of Tian Yun (heavenly movement). It was one of a number of rebel groups to arise during this period, either affiliated with or proclaiming support for the rebel Taiping administration. The name Xiao Dao ("Small Swords") refers to daggers used by warriors or martial artists in close combat. It is believed to be linked to triads. The society consisted mainly of natives from Guangdong and Fujian, including Li Shaoqing, Li Xianyun and Pan Yiguo, directors of some of the huiguan or native place associations of Shanghai. Liu Lichang was killed in February 1855. Those caught in possession of these coins were sent to trial and many were executed. Small Swords Society was a political and military organization active in Shanghai, China and neighbouring areas during the Taiping Rebellion. The organization was founded in the 1850s during the upheavals of the Taiping Rebellion. It was one of a number of rebel groups to arise during this period, either affiliated with or proclaiming support for the Taiping administration. The name ("Small Swords") refers to daggers used by warriors or martial artists in close combat. In 1853, the Society occupied the walled (Chinese) city of Shanghai, and occupied most of the Chinese sections of the city. They did not, however, invade the foreign concessions. Large numbers of Chinese refugees from surrounding areas flooded into the foreign concessions in this period, dramatically increasing the population there and giving rise to the prevalent longtang or shikumen-style housing which came to dominate Shanghai by the early 20th Century. The Society's headquarters were in the Yu Garden of Shanghai, at the heart of the old city and today a popular tourist attraction and shopping district. There is a small museum displaying artefacts of the Society in the gardens. Conflict broke out between the Fujian and Guangdong factions, over whether they should leave with the loot they had acquired. At first, the British and American authorities remained neutral, while the French supported the imperial government. However, some British and American sailors joined up with the Small Swords Society. When French troops were sent in to support Qing imperial troops, this caused the situation of whites fighting whites. The British and American authorities then declared the sailors' actions illegal and joined in support for the imperial armies. VIEW and DOWNLOAD: THE TWO Most Worthy Articles on the coins of the Tai P'ing Rebellion: Money of the Kingdom of Heavenly Peace - Sandrock: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Money%20of%20Kingdom%20of%20Heavenly%20Peace.pdf Chinese Secret Society Coins & Tokens - Wang: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Chinese%20Secret%20Society%20Coins%20&%20Tokens%20-%20Wang.pdf

China - Small Sword Society

Moneta — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 20:20:01 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: Tai Ping Rebellion era of the Ch'ing (Qing) Dynasty; this coin was issue by the Small Sword Society, a secret society dedicated to the overthrow of the Manchu Qing dynasty. Issued in 1854. OB: Tai Ping Tung Pao (or Tong Bao; t,b,l,r). RX: Dot & Crescent (Sun & Moon); see Helen Wang (Heaven & Earth Soc. article) for the secret language embodied in the symbolism. These symbols implied the meaning of "Overthrow the Qing, Restore the Ming." Those caught with these coins were jailed and executed! 23 mm; 3.6 gm; Hartill Qing 4.42, Type 2.1 (scarcity 5). The Society's headquarters were in the Yuyuan Gardens of Shanghai. The organization was founded in the 1850s during the upheavals of the Taiping Rebellion by Liu Lichuan. He took the nien hao (reign title) of Tian Yun (heavenly movement). It was one of a number of rebel groups to arise during this period, either affiliated with or proclaiming support for the rebel Taiping administration. The name Xiao Dao ("Small Swords") refers to daggers used by warriors or martial artists in close combat. It is believed to be linked to triads. The society consisted mainly of natives from Guangdong and Fujian, including Li Shaoqing, Li Xianyun and Pan Yiguo, directors of some of the huiguan or native place associations of Shanghai. Liu Lichang was killed in February 1855. Those caught in possession of these coins were sent to trial and many were executed. VIEW and DOWNLOAD: THE TWO Most Worthy Articles on the coins of the Tai P'ing Rebellion: Money of the Kingdom of Heavenly Peace - Sandrock: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Money%20of%20Kingdom%20of%20Heavenly%20Peace.pdf Chinese Secret Society Coins & Tokens - Wang: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Chinese%20Secret%20Society%20Coins%20&%20Tokens%20-%20Wang.pdf

Li Wenmao - Pingjing

Moneta — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 20:27:09 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: Part of the Tai Ping Rebel era. Li Wenmao was the leader of the Guangdong Triad Society. He came to prominence in March of 1857 and occupied Liuzhou in Guangxi. He called himself the "Pingjing" or 'Restorer of Peace' King. He was defeated in the following year. The character 'sheng' (to vanquish) is found in the names of the lodges of the Heaven and Earth Society. The character 'ying' means garrison or camp, and the division into middle, rear, front, left, and right was a feature of the Triad Society's guerrilla armies. Ob: Pingjing shengbao Rx: You ying (right camp; r,l) Hartill Qing 4.85; C# 39-15 Heavy green patina over copper, authenticiy in doubt. VIEW and DOWNLOAD: THE TWO Most Worthy Articles on the coins of the Tai P'ing Rebellion: Money of the Kingdom of Heavenly Peace - Sandrock: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Money%20of%20Kingdom%20of%20Heavenly%20Peace.pdf Chinese Secret Society Coins & Tokens - Wang: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Chinese%20Secret%20Society%20Coins%20&%20Tokens%20-%20Wang.pdf

Li Wenmao - Pingjing

Moneta — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 20:22:14 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: Part of the Tai Ping Rebel era. Li Wenmao was the leader of the Guangdong Triad Society. He came to prominence in March of 1857 and occupied Liuzhou in Guangxi. He called himself the "Pingjing" or 'Restorer of Peace' King. He was defeated in the following year. The character 'sheng' (to vanquish) is found in the names of the lodges of the Heaven and Earth Society. The character 'ying' means garrison or camp, and the division into middle, rear, front, left, and right was a feature of the Triad Society's guerrilla armies. Ob: Pingjing shengbao Rx: Yu lin jin (imperial army; t,r,l) or (King's Royal Guard); v. Scarce! Hartill Qing 4.86; C#39-9, FD 2698, Ma&Ma H-12 28 mm; 5.3 gm VIEW and DOWNLOAD: THE TWO Most Worthy Articles on the coins of the Tai P'ing Rebellion: Money of the Kingdom of Heavenly Peace - Sandrock: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Money%20of%20Kingdom%20of%20Heavenly%20Peace.pdf Chinese Secret Society Coins & Tokens - Wang: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Chinese%20Secret%20Society%20Coins%20&%20Tokens%20-%20Wang.pdf

Li Wenmao - Pingjing

Moneta — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 20:16:04 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: Part of the Tai Ping Rebel era. Li Wenmao was the leader of the Guangdong Triad Society. He came to prominence in March of 1857 and occupied Liuzhou in Guangxi. He called himself the "Pingjing" or 'Restorer of Peace' King. He was defeated in the following year. The character 'sheng' (to vanquish) is found in the names of the lodges of the Heaven and Earth Society. The character 'ying' means garrison or camp, and the division into middle, rear, front, left, and right was a feature of the Triad Society's guerrilla armies. Ob: Pingjing shengbao Rx: Zuo ying (left camp; r,l) HARTILL# 23.47; Hartill Qing #4.84; C#39-14; Ma & Ma H-24 26 mm; 4.2 gm VIEW and DOWNLOAD: THE TWO Most Worthy Articles on the coins of the Tai P'ing Rebellion: Money of the Kingdom of Heavenly Peace - Sandrock: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Money%20of%20Kingdom%20of%20Heavenly%20Peace.pdf Chinese Secret Society Coins & Tokens - Wang: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Chinese%20Secret%20Society%20Coins%20&%20Tokens%20-%20Wang.pdf

Li Wenmao - Pingjing

Moneta — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 20:06:36 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: Part of the Tai Ping Rebel era. Li Wenmao was the leader of the Guangdong Triad Society. He came to prominence in March of 1857 and occupied Liuzhou in Guangxi. He called himself the "Pingjing" or 'Restorer of Peace' King. He was defeated in the following year. The character 'sheng' (to vanquish) is found in the names of the lodges of the Heaven and Earth Society. The character 'ying' means garrison or camp, and the division into middle, rear, front, left, and right was a feature of the Triad Society's guerrilla armies. Ob: Pingjing shengbao Rx: Zhong ying (middle camp; r ,l) Hartill Qing 4.81; C#39-12 27.5 mm, 4.8 gm VIEW and DOWNLOAD: THE TWO Most Worthy Articles on the coins of the Tai P'ing Rebellion: Money of the Kingdom of Heavenly Peace - Sandrock: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Money%20of%20Kingdom%20of%20Heavenly%20Peace.pdf Chinese Secret Society Coins & Tokens - Wang: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Chinese%20Secret%20Society%20Coins%20&%20Tokens%20-%20Wang.pdf

Li Wenmao - Pingjing

Moneta — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 20:04:40 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: Part of the Tai Ping Rebel era. Li Wenmao was the leader of the Guangdong Triad Society. He came to prominence in March of 1857 and occupied Liuzhou in Guangxi. He called himself the "Pingjing" or 'Restorer of Peace' King. He was defeated in the following year. The character 'sheng' (to vanquish) is found in the names of the lodges of the Heaven and Earth Society. The character 'ying' means garrison or camp, and the division into middle, rear, front, left, and right was a feature of the Triad Society's guerrilla armies. Ob: Pingjing shengbao Rx: Qain ying (rear camp) to the right and left of hole. HARTILL# 23.48; Hartill Qing 4.82; Jen 890; FD 2692; C#39-10 27.5 mm, 8.7 gm VIEW and DOWNLOAD: THE TWO Most Worthy Articles on the coins of the Tai P'ing Rebellion: Money of the Kingdom of Heavenly Peace - Sandrock: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Money%20of%20Kingdom%20of%20Heavenly%20Peace.pdf Chinese Secret Society Coins & Tokens - Wang: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Chinese%20Secret%20Society%20Coins%20&%20Tokens%20-%20Wang.pdf

Li Wenmao- Pingjing

Moneta — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 19:58:33 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: Part of the Tai Ping Rebel era. Li Wenmao was the leader of the Guangdong Triad Society. He came to prominence in March of 1857 and occupied Liuzhou in Guangxi. He called himself the "Pingjing" or 'Restorer of Peace' King. He was defeated in the following year. The character 'sheng' (to vanquish) is found in the names of the lodges of the Heaven and Earth Society. The character 'ying' means garrison or camp, and the division into middle, rear, front, left, and right was a feature of the Triad Society's guerrilla armies. Ob: Pingjing shengbao Rx: Changsheng jun (ever victorious army) above, right and left of hole. Considering the rarity of this piece and that characteristic green patina, you'd have to say that this one may be a fake. There is another example posted here. 26.5 mm, 6.7 gm; C#39-11, Hartill Qing 4.87, FD 2699, Jen 891 VIEW and DOWNLOAD: THE TWO Most Worthy Articles on the coins of the Tai P'ing Rebellion: Money of the Kingdom of Heavenly Peace - Sandrock: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Money%20of%20Kingdom%20of%20Heavenly%20Peace.pdf Chinese Secret Society Coins & Tokens - Wang: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Chinese%20Secret%20Society%20Coins%20&%20Tokens%20-%20Wang.pdf

China - Tai Ping Rebels

Moneta — Fri, 16 May 2008 02:28:03 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: Here is a rare example of a Tai Ping Rebellion issue in lead. The very early Tai Pings are thought to have cast their first coins in lead before they established mint facilities around Nanking. This may be an example of those types, the museum has another example that's easier to make out the features on. Typical inscription on both sides. 7.45 gm at ~26.5 mm VIEW and DOWNLOAD: THE TWO Most Worthy Articles on the coins of the Tai P'ing Rebellion: Money of the Kingdom of Heavenly Peace - Sandrock: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Money%20of%20Kingdom%20of%20Heavenly%20Peace.pdf Chinese Secret Society Coins & Tokens - Wang: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Chinese%20Secret%20Society%20Coins%20&%20Tokens%20-%20Wang.pdf

Tai Ping Cash - 25mm

Moneta — Sun, 04 Mar 2007 20:17:25 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: OB: Tai Ping tian guo; RX: Shengbao (right, left). A typical example of a 1 Cash but at 25 mm it's larger than usually encountered. Hartill H 4.20 (type 5.1). Six stroke 'bei' with a curved left foot. Ma & Ma T 151 (?). Weighs 4.22 gm. VIEW and DOWNLOAD: THE TWO Most Worthy Articles on the coins of the Tai P'ing Rebellion: Money of the Kingdom of Heavenly Peace - Sandrock: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Money%20of%20Kingdom%20of%20Heavenly%20Peace.pdf Chinese Secret Society Coins & Tokens - Wang: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Chinese%20Secret%20Society%20Coins%20&%20Tokens%20-%20Wang.pdf

TaiPing 50 Cash w/muled obverse

Moneta — Sat, 13 May 2006 18:33:50 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: China - Qing Dynasty - Tai Ping Rebellion, 50 Cash size. OB/RX: Tai Ping tian guo (t,b,r,l) MULE and quite RARE! Looks to be authentic and is within the range specified for this type (5.1) by David Hartill 'Qing' - Ref. # is 4.24. I see no mention of mules in the Encyclopedia of Tai Ping Coins by Ma & Ma but this example conforms to # T124, the 'Shengbao' on a normal reverse would be horizontal. VF and 43.5 mm at 30.6 gm - yellow copper. VIEW and DOWNLOAD: THE TWO Most Worthy Articles on the coins of the Tai P'ing Rebellion: Money of the Kingdom of Heavenly Peace - Sandrock: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Money%20of%20Kingdom%20of%20Heavenly%20Peace.pdf Chinese Secret Society Coins & Tokens - Wang: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Chinese%20Secret%20Society%20Coins%20&%20Tokens%20-%20Wang.pdf I've scanned a few pages of Ma & Ma's "Encyclopedia of Tai Ping Currency" concerning these 'muled' cash coins (pgs. 88 - 91). From the Contents of the book it's Chapter 7, Section 14 & 15. My translator (a non-collector college student from China) had Section 14 (where T199 resides) translated as 'wrong coin of Taipingtianguo' and Section 15 as 'error coin of Taipingtianguo.' You can view and download these pages at this: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/MaMa_TaiPing_T199.pdf

Tai Ping 10 Cash

Moneta — Fri, 06 Jan 2006 20:59:53 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: OB; Tian Kuo; RX: Sheng pao (vertical); with short mid stroke in 'Sheng'. Bronze with very dark patina. Center hole small with small characters variety. ND (1853-55). Ma T36; C# 38-10.1; DHQ 4.5 (5) type 2.2.; FD 2685; Sj 1608. 36+ mm., 21.3 gm. VIEW and DOWNLOAD: THE TWO Most Worthy Articles on the coins of the Tai P'ing Rebellion: Money of the Kingdom of Heavenly Peace - Sandrock: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Money%20of%20Kingdom%20of%20Heavenly%20Peace.pdf Chinese Secret Society Coins & Tokens - Wang: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Chinese%20Secret%20Society%20Coins%20&%20Tokens%20-%20Wang.pdf

Tai Ping Rebellion

Moneta — Fri, 06 Jan 2006 20:52:18 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: This type, not depicted in most references except Ma & Ma. The clear distinction here is the 'official' or 'clerky' style script (li) found on this issue. It is said to come exclusively from Honan Province during the mid-period of the Rebellion. OB: 'Tai Ping Tian guo'; RX: 'Sheng bao', but with suspiciously missing middle stroke in 'bao'. Ma's example is not missing the middle stroke. 41 mm; 18.7 gm. Ma #T123. I would have to say, it's probably fake. VIEW and DOWNLOAD: THE TWO Most Worthy Articles on the coins of the Tai P'ing Rebellion: Money of the Kingdom of Heavenly Peace - Sandrock: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Money%20of%20Kingdom%20of%20Heavenly%20Peace.pdf Chinese Secret Society Coins & Tokens - Wang: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Chinese%20Secret%20Society%20Coins%20&%20Tokens%20-%20Wang.pdf

Tai Ping Rebels

Moneta — Fri, 06 Jan 2006 20:40:47 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: This rare variety, not listed except in the complete work of Ma & Ma ("Encyclopedea of Tai Ping Currency"). Lovely example of this 'double rim' variety. OB: 'Tai Ping Tian guo'; RX: 'Sheng bao'. Ma & Ma as T118. 31 mm; 8.3 gm, this puts it in the 10 Cash size. I've got another one that appears to be copper, it's 29 mm at 7.9 gm; ask if you want to see it (I'm less sure of it's authenticity). VIEW and DOWNLOAD: THE TWO Most Worthy Articles on the coins of the Tai P'ing Rebellion: Money of the Kingdom of Heavenly Peace - Sandrock: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Money%20of%20Kingdom%20of%20Heavenly%20Peace.pdf Chinese Secret Society Coins & Tokens - Wang: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Chinese%20Secret%20Society%20Coins%20&%20Tokens%20-%20Wang.pdf

Tai Ping Republic Charm

Moneta — Fri, 06 Jan 2006 20:30:48 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: Silver charm of the 20th C. Republic era - the movement continues! Tai Ping principles and beliefs were claimed by both the Communists and the Kuomintang as the source of their movements! The reverse side of the hand engraved charm depicts the 1st flag of the Republic (1911-1927) and the flag of the Kuomintang party (1924). 28 mm; 4.1 gm. VIEW and DOWNLOAD: THE TWO Most Worthy Articles on the coins of the Tai P'ing Rebellion: Money of the Kingdom of Heavenly Peace - Sandrock: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Money%20of%20Kingdom%20of%20Heavenly%20Peace.pdf Chinese Secret Society Coins & Tokens - Wang: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Chinese%20Secret%20Society%20Coins%20&%20Tokens%20-%20Wang.pdf

Tai Ping Charm

Moneta — Fri, 06 Jan 2006 20:20:29 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: Silver with a surviving thin plating of gold. This lovely charm is HAND ENGRAVED (pixelated background, delicate & expertly done), just like the very rare presentation pieces seen in Ma & Ma. A thought to ponder is why the similarity to the very rare presentation piece when hardly anyone would ever have seen one in those days? The Chinese dealer I obtained this from says it's early 20th C. However, Daniel K.E.Ching states in his famous catalog of 06/1991(Scott Semans), that soon after the fall of the Tai Ping Rebellion the rare skills of the engravers who had hand made special Tai Ping Presentation pieces were at work in Fukien making silver amulets. I actually believe this is one of those rare pieces, the style of the engraving is exctly the same! OB:"Tai Ping Tung pao"; RX: "Cao-sheng Kuei-tzu ("have children early after marriage"). 24mm; 2 gm. VIEW and DOWNLOAD: THE TWO Most Worthy Articles on the coins of the Tai P'ing Rebellion: Money of the Kingdom of Heavenly Peace - Sandrock: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Money%20of%20Kingdom%20of%20Heavenly%20Peace.pdf Chinese Secret Society Coins & Tokens - Wang: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Chinese%20Secret%20Society%20Coins%20&%20Tokens%20-%20Wang.pdf

Tai Ping Charm

Moneta — Fri, 06 Jan 2006 20:07:41 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: Chinese charm of the T'ai P'ing variety, 19th Century. Silver, probably fairly low grade. OB: 'Tai Ping Tong Pao'; RX: Chang-ming Fu-kuei. This is supposed to be from the Shanghai-Kiangsu area. 38 mm; 6.1 gm. VIEW and DOWNLOAD: THE TWO Most Worthy Articles on the coins of the Tai P'ing Rebellion: Money of the Kingdom of Heavenly Peace - Sandrock: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Money%20of%20Kingdom%20of%20Heavenly%20Peace.pdf Chinese Secret Society Coins & Tokens - Wang: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Chinese%20Secret%20Society%20Coins%20&%20Tokens%20-%20Wang.pdf

Tai Ping 50 Cash

Moneta — Fri, 06 Jan 2006 20:02:00 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: Here is a rare example, fairly well cast and preserved - yet, maybe it's authentic. 50 Cash size with wide rims cast in a yellow copper (brass). OB: Tai Ping tian guo; RX: vertical 'Sheng pao'. ND (1860 -62). Regular style writing. DHQ# 4.18 (4 scarcity) type 4.2 (oblong Guo); Hartill 23. 13 [scarcity 6] C# 38-3.1; Ma&Ma T119. 48 mm at 32.5 gm. Probably the best over-all T.P. one could hope to find from the regular issues. In Apr '23 Stacks & Bowers H.K. Auction offered a similar 50 Cash, you may be able to see it at this: https://auctions.stacksbowers.com/lots/view/3-11X2S1/t-china-taiping-rebellion-50-cash-nd-ca-1856-60-graded-78-by-gbca-grading-company VIEW and DOWNLOAD: THE TWO Most Worthy Articles on the coins of the Tai P'ing Rebellion: Money of the Kingdom of Heavenly Peace - Sandrock: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Money%20of%20Kingdom%20of%20Heavenly%20Peace.pdf Chinese Secret Society Coins & Tokens - Wang: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Chinese%20Secret%20Society%20Coins%20&%20Tokens%20-%20Wang.pdf

Tai Ping 10 Cash

Moneta — Fri, 06 Jan 2006 19:52:05 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: The previous one was a thin rim variety, this is a thick rim type, 10 Cash. Ma & Ma say this type came from Jiangsu region. OB: "Tai Ping tian guo" ( The Heavenly Kingdom of T'ai P'ing). RX: "Sheng bao" (Sacred treasure). DHQ # 4.16 type 4.2 (scarcity 4), (David Hartill's "Qing Cash"); written in regular style. Right oblique strokes of 'tai' & 'tian' merge w/other two strokes. Jen#882, FD 2674, Hartill 23.12. 35 mm, 15.89 gm. V. Scarce; Fine. VIEW and DOWNLOAD: THE TWO Most Worthy Articles on the coins of the Tai P'ing Rebellion: Money of the Kingdom of Heavenly Peace - Sandrock: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Money%20of%20Kingdom%20of%20Heavenly%20Peace.pdf Chinese Secret Society Coins & Tokens - Wang: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Chinese%20Secret%20Society%20Coins%20&%20Tokens%20-%20Wang.pdf

Tai Ping 5 Cash

Moneta — Fri, 06 Jan 2006 19:40:12 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: The Museum has a lot of Tai Ping so why would I post such an ugly one? Frankly, I am not sure of the authenticity of many of them but this one 'looks' authentic and is the scarcer 10 Cash size. I'll post more as time or requests are at hand, I want to present as many as I can because all references cut this series way short. Only Ma & Ma in their landmark work (translated as) "Encyclopedia of Tai Ping Currency" indicate the varieties at hand. They also show other associated Triad Secret Societies such as the Heaven & Earth, Golden Coin, Small Sword and others. They document fakes, fantasies, presentation pieces, and later private issues. I've spent considerable sums to have the work translated - so look for it in the Library. Be sure to read the monogragh by Helen Wang - "Coins and Membership tokens of the Heaven and Earth Society", it's in the Library. The history of the leader and the movement that killed at least 20 million people, is incredibly fascinating! The leader, Hong XiuQuan, came to believe that he was the son of the Judeo-Christian God and younger brother of Jesus Christ! Considering the opium forced upon the Chinese (mainly by British traders) and then this radical political and religious rebellion, is it any wonder that the Chinese are wary of Western intentions? I'll eventually have a monograph written on this subject. China - Rebel issue of the Tai Ping Rebellion in Nanking. ND (1853 - 64). 10 Cash size. OB: Tai Ping Tien Kuo (Tai Ping Heavenly Kingdom)in Song script. RX: Sheng Pao, "Sacred Treasure (or Currency); vertically written style. 35 mm, 12.9 gm copper. Hartill# 23.7 VIEW and DOWNLOAD: THE TWO Most Worthy Articles on the coins of the Tai P'ing Rebellion: Money of the Kingdom of Heavenly Peace - Sandrock: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Money%20of%20Kingdom%20of%20Heavenly%20Peace.pdf Chinese Secret Society Coins & Tokens - Wang: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Chinese%20Secret%20Society%20Coins%20&%20Tokens%20-%20Wang.pdf

TaiPing Golden Coin Society

Moneta — Fri, 06 Jan 2006 16:02:39 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: Tai Ping Rebellion; Golden Coin Society (a branch of he Heaven & Earth Society). According to Helen Wang's excellent article, Royal Numismatic Society, 1994 (See Library), standard later issue membership badge (these 8 trigram pieces are membership badges - Not coins). There are two translations of the Ob: 1) 'Jin gian yi ji' (r,l,t,b), "Golden coin mark of loyalty; or 2) 'Yi Ji Jin gian' (t,b,r,l) as "Mark of Loyalty - A golden coin". RX: linked lozenges w/"tian" at top; said to symbolize four faces - 8 directions or "everywhere". Ma & Ma's 'Encyclopedia of Tai Ping Coins' shows this variety (H-34). They also state this is the first of the membership badge series. Jen # 906. 38 mm, 21.4 gm. V. Scarce. From Steve Album: The Golden Coin Society, a branch of the Tiandihui (Heaven and Earth Society) that was active during the Taiping Rebellion, was a fraternal organization dedicated to removing the Manchus from China. Their name was initially derived from their membership badge, a pair of Kang Xi Tong Bao coins fixed back to back by a red silk thread, so as to obscure the Manchu inscriptions on the reverse. As the society grew, more personalized badges were needed. Several varieties of these 'coins' exist, all with a curiously written jin character. The first two strokes of the word are written in a way that resembles the element ru (enter). VIEW and DOWNLOAD: THE TWO Most Worthy Articles on the coins of the Tai P'ing Rebellion: Money of the Kingdom of Heavenly Peace - Sandrock: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Money%20of%20Kingdom%20of%20Heavenly%20Peace.pdf Chinese Secret Society Coins & Tokens - Wang: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Chinese%20Secret%20Society%20Coins%20&%20Tokens%20-%20Wang.pdf

TaiPing Golden Coin Society

Moneta — Fri, 06 Jan 2006 15:57:15 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: Tai Ping Rebellion; Golden Coin Society (a branch of the Heaven & Earth Society). According to Helen Wang's excellent article (See Library), this piece is a standard late issue membership badge (these 8 trigram pieces are Secret Society membership badges - Not coins). There are two translations of the Ob: 1) 'Jin gian yi ji' (r,l,t,b), "Golden coin mark of loyalty; or 2) 'Yi Ji Jin gian' (t,b,r,l) as "Mark of Loyalty - A golden coin". RX: 4 linked lozenges; said to symbolize four faces & 8 directions, meaning "everywhere". Ma & Ma's 'Encyclopedia of Tai Ping Coins' shows this variety (H-48). Jen 904. 38.5 mm, 19.4 gm. V.Scarce. From Steve Album: The Golden Coin Society, a branch of the Tiandihui (Heaven and Earth Society) that was active during the Taiping Rebellion, was a fraternal organization dedicated to removing the Manchus from China. Their name was initially derived from their membership badge, a pair of Kang Xi Tong Bao coins fixed back to back by a red silk thread, so as to obscure the Manchu inscriptions on the reverse. As the society grew, more personalized badges were needed. Several varieties of these 'coins' exist, all with a curiously written jin character. The first two strokes of the word are written in a way that resembles the element ru (enter). VIEW and DOWNLOAD: THE TWO Most Worthy Articles on the coins of the Tai P'ing Rebellion: Money of the Kingdom of Heavenly Peace - Sandrock: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Money%20of%20Kingdom%20of%20Heavenly%20Peace.pdf Chinese Secret Society Coins & Tokens - Wang: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Chinese%20Secret%20Society%20Coins%20&%20Tokens%20-%20Wang.pdf From a Steve Album sale: https://www.numisbids.com/n.php?p=lot&sid=1359&lot=1142

TaiPing Golden Coin Soc.

Moneta — Fri, 06 Jan 2006 15:48:41 -0500

by: Moneta

Description: Tai Ping Rebellion; Golden Coin Society (a branch of the Heaven & Earth Society). According to Helen Wang's excellent article (See Library), this could be a leaders badge (these 8 trigram pieces are membership badges - Not coins). These large ones are thought to be from the time when the original 8 groups broke up to protect themselves and to spread their philosophy and rebellion. There are two translations of the Ob: 1) 'Jin gian yi ji' (r,l,t,b), "Golden coin mark of loyalty; or 2) 'Yi Ji Jin gian' (t,b,r,l) as "Mark of Loyalty - A golden coin". RX: linked lozenges w/"li" (to part) at top; said to symbolize 8 directions or "everywhere". Ma & Ma's 'Encyclopedia of Tai Ping Coins' shows this variety (H-38) as a crude cast compared to the others, like this one. RARE! This one has a dark red, lacquer coating also associated with the Secret Societies, they were later worn as amulets and were even found on Chinese workmen that came to N. America. Any suggestions are much appreciated. 43.5 mm, 29.1 gm. ND (1858-62). From Steve Album: The Golden Coin Society, a branch of the Tiandihui (Heaven and Earth Society) that was active during the Taiping Rebellion, was a fraternal organization dedicated to removing the Manchus from China. Their name was initially derived from their membership badge, a pair of Kang Xi Tong Bao coins fixed back to back by a red silk thread, so as to obscure the Manchu inscriptions on the reverse. As the society grew, more personalized badges were needed. Several varieties of these 'coins' exist, all with a curiously written jin character. The first two strokes of the word are written in a way that resembles the element ru (enter). VIEW and DOWNLOAD: THE TWO Most Worthy Articles on the coins of the Tai P'ing Rebellion: Money of the Kingdom of Heavenly Peace - Sandrock: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Money%20of%20Kingdom%20of%20Heavenly%20Peace.pdf Chinese Secret Society Coins & Tokens - Wang: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Chinese%20Secret%20Society%20Coins%20&%20Tokens%20-%20Wang.pdf