Provenance: Da Chen Stamps and Coins Collection 2013
This is a commemorative coin issued in AD 1987 to mark the 2500th anniversary of the founding of Suzhou. The history of Suzhou dates back to 514 BC, when the city was first established by King Helü of Wu during the Spring and Autumn period. On the obverse side of the commemorative coin is the landmark of Suzhou, the “Pan Gate,” which was reconstructed during the Yuan Dynasty and is known for its dual function as both a land and water gate. At the bottom is an image representing Suzhou’s abundant agricultural products, symbolising it as the “Land of Fish and Rice.”
On the reverse side of the commemorative coin is the “Tiger Hill,” which encompasses many famous historical sites. Above is the “Yunyan Pagoda,” built during the Five Dynasties period. At the bottom, along with the name of the commissioning body, the “Suzhou Coin Research Association,” there are four copper coins related to the history of Suzhou. From right to left according to chronological order, they are: the “Da Quan Dang Qian” from the Eastern Wu of the Three Kingdoms period, the “Tian You Tongbao” from the uprising army of Zhang Shicheng at the end of the Yuan Dynasty, coins minted by the Bao Su Bureau of the Qing Dynasty, and coins from the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom.
This commemorative coin was commissioned by the Suzhou Ship Equipment Joint Venture Company (formerly Suzhou Longmen Gold and Silver Jewelry Factory) and was made of pure copper. Only ten thousand coins were issued in limited quantity.
