5 Mace - Xianfeng (Issued by Yu Sen-sheng; engraved by Wang Shou) 6 (1856) front 5 Mace - Xianfeng (Issued by Yu Sen-sheng; engraved by Wang Shou) 6 (1856) back
5 Mace - Xianfeng (Issued by Yu Sen-sheng; engraved by Wang Shou) 6 (1856) photo
© PCGS

5 Mace - Xianfeng Issued by Yu Sen-sheng; engraved by Wang Shou

6 (1856) year
Silver 18.40 g -
Description
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
2024-10-04
References
Numista
N#274715
Rarity index
100%

Reverse

Four columns of four Chinese ideograms each, read vertically from right to left.

Script: Chinese

Lettering:
匠重傾朱
王五曹源
壽錢平裕
造銀實監

Translation:
Supervised by Chow Yuen Yu
Exact weight of
5 silver Mace
Made by Wang Shou, silversmith

Engraver: Wang Shou

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.