Digital museum showcasing the collection of worldwide legends over the years! 千古不朽博物館展示多年來收藏的世界傳奇故事!
Qing Dynasty
Chinese Charm Qu Huang Horse Coin
清
渠黃 打馬錢
Item number: A109
Year: Qing Dynasty, AD 1636-1911
Material: Copper
Size: 27.83 x 27.58 mm
Weight: 5.05 g
Provenance:
1. Noonans 2022
2. D. L. F. Sealy Collection
This coin, cast during the Qing Dynasty, is known as a “Qu huang Horse Coin” and does not possess any actual monetary function.
The obverse side of the coin features an image of a galloping horse, while the reverse side is inscribed with the name of the horse, “Qu huang.”
According to the “Mu Tianzi Zhuan,” a text from the Warring States period, King Mu of Zhou owned eight divine steeds, named: Chiji, Daoli, Baiyi, Yulun, Shan, Qu huang, Hualiu, and Luer.
This type of coin, also referred to as “Dama Coins” or “Dama Grid Coins,” is a form of “flower coin.” It first appeared during the Tang and Song dynasties. Particularly during the Song Dynasty, the game of “Dama” was popular among the people, who used these coins as pieces on a “Dama” game board. Over time, the gameplay and its rules gradually faded into obscurity.
Flower coins, also known as “Yansheng coins” or “Yasheng coins,” were not formal currency. Initially, they were primarily used for prayers for good fortune and to ward off evil spirits. Over time, their usage became more widespread. These coins were minted from the Western Han Dynasty to the early Republic of China, with a particular abundance and variety during the Qing Dynasty.