1 Tael Pattern; Hong Kong Mint; with rays

Features

Issuer Empire of China
Emperor Qing dynasty › Tongzhi (同治帝) (1861-1875)
Type Pattern
Year 1867
Value 1 Tael
Currency Shanghai Tael (1867)
Composition Silver (.982)
Weight 36.68 g
Diameter 39 mm
Thickness 3 mm
Shape Round
Technique Milled
Orientation Medal alignment ↑↑
Demonetized Yes
Number
N#
243333
References Kann# 912,
Eduard Kann; 2006. Illustrated Catalog of Chinese Coins / Volume 1. Chinese Coins up to 1911. Ishi Press International, Bronx, New York, United States.
And 2 more volumes.
L&M# 601,
Lin Gwo Ming, Ma Tak Wo; 2008. Illustrated Catalogue of Chinese Gold & Silver Coins (7th edition). Tak Wo Numismatic, Hong Kong.
KM# Pn125,
Tracy L. Schmidt (editor); 2019. Standard Catalog of World Coins / 2001-Date (14th edition). Krause Publications, Stevens Point, Wisconsin, United States.
And 5 more volumes.
Pr# 315
Fred Pridmore ; 1960. Coins of the British Commonwealth of Nations to the End of the Reign of George VI 1952 / Part 1. European Territories. Spink & Son, London, United Kingdom.
And 4 more volumes.

Obverse

Coat of Arms of England, Scotland, and Ireland (consisting of lions and a harp) within crowned collar inscribed with a Latin motto, all with fineness and weight below and surrounded by English legend.

Script: Latin

Lettering:
ONE TAEL - SHANGHAI
HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE
982 G566
HONG KONG
1867

Translation: Shame be to him who thinks evil of it

Reverse

Dragon within circle surrounded by rays and four Chinese ideograms read top to bottom, right to left.

Script: Chinese (traditional, regular script)

Lettering:
 壹
海 上
 両

Translation:
Yi Liang Shang Hai
1 Tael / Shanghai

Edge

Reeded.

Mint

Hong Kong Mint (香港造幣廠), Hong Kong (7 May 1866 - 1868)

Comments

Only 2 to 3 examples are known of each type.

This was an attempt at a unified coinage throughout China, proposed by the Central Government in Peking. At the time, Shanghai did not have a mint, and Hong Kong recently opened their own, so that mint was commissioned to strike these piece. However, with too many British overtones (and with the British being unpopular due to the Opium Wars), this design was rejected, and most patterns were melted.

Krause lists this under Hong Kong; however, Hong Kong was just the mint.

See also

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Date VG F VF XF AU UNC
1867 

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Numista Rarity index: 93 Search tips
This index is based on the data of Numista members collections. It ranges from 0 to 100, 0 meaning a very common coin or banknote and 100 meaning a rare coin or banknote among Numista members.

Bullion value: USD 28.86 Search tips
This value is given for information purpose only. It is based on a price of silver at 801 USD/kg. Numista does not buy or sell coins or metal.

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