½ Tael Pattern

Features

Issuer Empire of China
Emperor Qing dynasty › Tongzhi (同治帝) (1861-1875)
Type Pattern
Year 1868
Value ½ Tael
Currency Kwanping Tael (1868)
Composition Silver
Weight 19 g
Diameter 34 mm
Thickness 1.8 mm
Shape Round
Technique Milled
Orientation Medal alignment ↑↑
Demonetized Yes
Number
N#
243345
References Kann# 926
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.

Obverse

Two dragons circling a yin-yang.

Reverse

Two Chinese ideograms within wreath.

Script: Chinese (traditional, regular script)

Lettering:

Translation:
Ban Liang
1/2 Tael

Mint

Royal Mint (Tower Hill), London, United Kingdom (1810-1975)

Comments

Not much was known about this series for a very long time, from the dates these were struck to the mints that struck them. The Berlin Mint, the Royal Mint, and the Osaka Mint had all been proposed, but it is now certain these come from the Royal Mint in London. The original dies were proposed in 1867, with the circulating coins meant to be struck at the Hong Kong Mint; however, that mint closed in 1868, and production never took place.

These coins are thought to be an attempt at a national currency; however, it is theorized that these could have been intended to be used in trade with Korea, based on the design.

See also

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Date VG F VF XF AU UNC
ND (1868) 

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