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!
Chinese Tai Ning Fu Gui Charm
泰寧富貴花錢
Item number: A117
Year: ND
Material: Bronze
Size: 36.0 x 31.0 mm
Weight: 9.0 g
Provenance:
1. Noonans 2022
2. D. L. F. Sealy Collection
This is a coin that departs from the traditional square-holed design, instead mimicking the shape of a bat. The pronunciation of “bat” (biānfú) is like “fortune” (fú) in Chinese, leading to its recognition as a symbol of good luck. Consequently, bats are frequently incorporated into artistic creations and home decorations in Chinese culture.
The coin features inscriptions in seal script on both sides, centred around the square hole. On the obverse, the characters “Tài Níng” are inscribed from right to left, wishing the recipient peace and tranquillity. On the reverse, the characters “Fù Guì” are similarly inscribed, conveying wishes for wealth and honour.
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.