5 Mace - Xianfeng Issued by Yu Sen-sheng; engraved by Wan Ch'uan
6 (1856) year| Silver | 18.40 g | - |
| Issuer | City of Shanghai (Kiangsu Province) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Xianfeng (1850-1861) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 6 (1856) |
| Calendar | Chinese - Xianfeng era |
| Value | 5 Mace = ½ Tael |
| Currency | Tael (1856) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 18.40 g |
| Shape | Round |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-03 |
| Numista | N#274716 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Four columns of four Chinese ideograms each, read vertically from right to left.
Lettering:
匠重傾朱
萬五曹源
全錢平裕
造銀實監
Translation:
Supervised by Chow Yuen Yu
Exact weight of
5 silver Mace
Made by Wan Ch'uan, silversmith
Engraver: Wan Ch'uan
Comment
While Shanghai had no mint before the 1930s, various Shanghai silversmiths minted coins for circulation in 1856. These were authorized by the Taotai (a government official) to help facilitate trade and to replace the vanishing Mexican 8 Reales pieces.Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it was issued during the Xianfeng era (1850-1861) of the Qing dynasty, a time of great social and economic change in China. The coin's design, featuring a stylized dragon and phoenix, symbolizes the harmony and balance that were believed to be essential for a prosperous society. Additionally, the use of silver as the material for the coin reflects the value placed on this precious metal during that time period.
