Qing Dynasty. Wen Zong (Xian Feng) "Tian Xia Tai Ping" Charm or Palace Cash ND (1851-1861) Certified 82 by Gong Bo Grading, cf. Hartill-26.3 (similar type from Tong Zhi's reign), Lockhart Collection-1570 (similar type from Qian Long's reign), CCH-417-419. 44mm. 30.0gm. The reverse reads: "Tian Xia Tai Ping" (Heaven Below Great Palace--or roughly, "Peace on Earth"). A scarcer weight for this purportedly palace gift type, more typically found weighing around 15 grams. Reckoned by some scholars to have been used in the ceremonies associated with a change in the reigning Emperor, and considered to possibly be a form of amulet, the type is known carrying a vast range of Emperor's names, ranging from Qian Long in the first half of the 18th century to Tong Zhi in the latter half of the 19th. Though light surface abrasions can be detected under magnification, the characters remain fully expressed and legible, with a slightly lighter brassy color atop the rims of the square central hole.

HID09801242017

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