The
kang xi tong bao (康熙e寶) coins cast at the Shaanxi (e西) mint are plentiful and inexpensive.
However, this particular coin is a very interesting variety and one that I had not seen before.
As already pointed out, the Manchu
shaan is written in a slightly different way.
What is most interesting to me, however, is the calligraphy on the obverse side.
If you look carefully at the
bao (寶) character to the left of the square hole, you will notice that the two little "feet" at the very bottom of the character are written in a style different from what you will see on any
kang xi tong bao coin produced at any of the mints.
In particular, the right "foot" is in a style similar to that found on some Song Dynasty coins. It is also very similar to the right "foot" on the
guang xu tong bao (.'e寶) coins struck at the Guangzhou mint.
Another character written in an unusual manner is the
tong (e) to the right of the square hole.
You will notice that the top of the character resembles a large "triangle" which is in a different style compared to other
kang xi tong bao coins.
My guess is that this coin
was not cast during the reign of the Kangxi Emperor.
Collecting the 20 mints became very popular by the time of the Qianlong Emperor and, in order to meet the demand, a large number of
kang xi tong bao coins were reproduced and in different styles.
Many people wanted a "matched" set. This is when the "larger" Taiwan coins made their appearance. The authentic coins from the time of the Kangxi Emperor are small and poorly made. People collecting the 20 mints wanted a coin similar in size and style to the coins from the other mints and so the larger Taiwan coins were reproduced.
This particular coin was probably cast during the late Qing or early Republican era.
I have known collectors who specialize in collecting varieties of Song Dynasty coins,
xian feng ('豐) coins, etc. They have huge collections of varieties with very small yet distinctive differences.
Several people were bidding on this coin and they apparently felt that this variety was rare enough and desirable enough to pay over US$500. Considering how prices for old Chinese coins have increased over the last few years, paying $500 may have even been a bargain!
Don't worry, though. You will be able to find a common variety of a
kang xi tong bao cast at the Shaanxi mint fairly easily and at a very reasonable price.
Gary
(Please note that the software on this website is apparently unable to display certain Chinese characters.)
Posted 05/21/2013 10:12 am
