© Stacks Bowers
© Stacks Bowers
¼ Tael Tianguo / Shengbao ND
| Silver | 9.12 g | 28 mm |
| Issuer | Taiping Heavenly Kingdom (Dynastic rebels) |
|---|---|
| King | Hong Xiuquan (1851-1864) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 1853-1864 |
| Value | ¼ Tael |
| Currency | Tael (1853-1864) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 9.12 g |
| Diameter | 28 mm |
| Shape | Round with a square hole |
| Technique | Cast, Engraved |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-04 |
| Numista | N#318116 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
Two Chinese characters read top to bottom.
Script: Chinese (traditional, regular script)
Lettering:
聖
寶
Translation:
Sheng Bao
Sacred currency
Edge
Plain
Comment
While the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom produced quite a few brass coins, they also produced silver coins in weights of 1/2 and 1/4 Tael, with all characters individually engraved on the coins. Five coins of this denomination are known to exist:1) Smithsonian Institution. Ex: Glover collection, acquired in 1897.
2) Howard Simmons (British coin dealer). Sold in 1984.
3) Dr. Che-lu Tseng Collection. Ex: Bruce Smith 1984.
4) David Loh Collection. Ex: Scott Semans June 1991 Auction lot# 757 “The Daniel K.E. Ching collection”.
5) The General M.S. Newton/Kenneth Bressett Collection.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it was minted during the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom, a rebel kingdom that challenged the ruling Qing dynasty in China from 1850 to 1864. The Taiping Heavenly Kingdom was known for its radical social and economic reforms, including the introduction of a new currency system, which is reflected in the design of this coin.
