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
Qianlong Tongbao Conjoined Charm
(Lucky and Longevity)
清
乾隆通寶連體花錢
(福壽)
Item number: A1263
Year: AD 1735-1796
Material: Brass
Size: 48.7 x 25.3 x 1.0 mm
Weight: 7.8 g
Provenance: Da Chen Stamps and Coins Collection 2016
This is a highly unusual conjoined charm, crafted by the populace to imitate two coins. Each coin is joined with its obverse and reverse sides inverted, together forming a single piece inscribed with the characters “乾隆通寶” (Qianlong Tongbao).
The obverse sides of the two charm coins are identical in appearance to the officially minted versions, featuring the four Chinese characters “乾隆通寶” (Qianlong Tongbao) arranged in a clockwise order: top, bottom, right, and left.
On the reverse sides, however, they deviate from the official design. While retaining the Manchu script “ᠪᠣᡠ” (Bao, meaning “treasure”) on the left, the right-hand Chinese character has been replaced with auspicious symbols. These include “福” (Fu, symbolising lucky) on one coin and “壽” (Shou, representing longevity) on the other.
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.