© Spink and Son
© Spink and Son
½ Tael Tianguo / Shengbao ND
| Silver | 18.22 g | 33.5 mm |
| Issuer | Taiping Heavenly Kingdom (Dynastic rebels) |
|---|---|
| King | Hong Xiuquan (1851-1864) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 1853-1864 |
| Value | ½ Tael |
| Currency | Tael (1853-1864) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 18.22 g |
| Diameter | 33.5 mm |
| Thickness | 2.1 mm |
| Shape | Round with a square hole |
| Technique | Cast, Engraved |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-04 |
| Numista | N#318117 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
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. Around a dozen of this denomination are known, including some in the Smithsonian Institution, Ex: Glover collection acquired in 1897; the British Museum example acquired in 1903; and the American Numismatic Society specimens purchased in 1928.Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it was minted during the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom, a rebel state that was established in 1851 and lasted until 1864. The Taiping Heavenly Kingdom was a Christian-inspired movement that sought to overthrow the ruling Qing dynasty and establish a new, more equal society. The coin's design and inscriptions reflect the rebels' beliefs and goals, and it is considered a rare and valuable piece of Chinese numismatic history.