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
Tian Xin Xiao Gan Charm
(Zhuang Yuan Ji Di)
清 天心孝感花錢 (背狀元及第)
Item number: A118
Year: Qing Dynasty, AD 1636-1911
Material: Copper
Size: 36.0 x 36.0 mm
Weight: 10.99 g
Provenance:
1. Noonans 2022
2. D. L. F. Sealy Collection
This coin, minted during the Qing dynasty, is a “Filial piety moves the heavens” flower coin. Its appearance emulates the design of traditional square-holed coins, featuring two solid concentric circles surrounding the coin. Both sides of the coin’s outer ring are adorned with a pair of symmetrically abstract dragon motifs, facing each other towards a single dragon pearl.
The auspicious inscription on the front reads “Tian Xin Xiao Gan”(Filial piety moves the heavens) in the sequence of “top, bottom, right, left.” This blessing originates from one of the stories in the ancient Chinese text “The Twenty-four Filial Exemplars,” specifically the legend of Shun. Before becoming an emperor, Shun adhered to the paramount virtue of filial piety in Chinese culture, even when faced with neglect and attempts on his life by his father and stepmother. Shun’s unwavering devotion enabled him to overcome numerous perils, with even birds and animals assisting him in his tasks. Eventually, the ruler Yao heard of Shun’s virtues and married his two daughters to him, later passing the throne to Shun. This act made Shun a paragon of sage kings in legendary times.
The auspicious inscription on the reverse side bears the blessing “Zhuang Yuan Ji Di” ( Number One Scholar at the Imperial Court), which is one of the most common well-wishes within the imperial examination system. It expresses the hope that the examinee will successfully achieve the highest academic honours and secure a prosperous future.
Yasheng coins, also known as “Yansheng coins” or “flower 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.