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
Emperor Tongzhi Happiness and Health Tribute
Fantasy Silver Coin
清
同治皇帝福健恭進
臆造銀幣
Item number: A1373
Year: AD 1866-1874
Material: Silver
Size: 37.4 x 37.4 mm
Provenance: Fuchin Coin 2024
This is a very rare Qing Dynasty fantasy silver coin recorded in the Unusual World Coins, named “Emperor Tongzhi Happiness and Health Tribute.”
The minting location and time of this silver coin can likely be traced back to as early as the 5th year of the Tongzhi reign (AD 1866) in British colonial Hong Kong, where mechanical coin minting began. While the colonial authorities in Hong Kong produced silver coins for local circulation, they also created two sets of pattern coins for the Qing government’s consideration. However, the Qing government ultimately rejected the proposal, and the coins were not adopted.
The obverse of this coin features a front-facing portrait of Emperor Tongzhi dressed in a dragon robe and a winter ceremonial crown. Since the emperor’s appearance was rarely directly revealed to the public, it is likely that the portrait was based on official paintings or imagined depictions. The reverse showcases two clockwise-circling five-clawed dragons, with a central square enclosing the Chinese characters “Emperor Tongzhi / Happiness and Health Tribute” in two lines. It is speculated that the coin was intended to commemorate a special occasion, such as the emperor’s birthday or an anniversary of his ascension to the throne.
Emperor Tongzhi was the ninth emperor of the Qing Dynasty and the only surviving son of the preceding Emperor Xianfeng. His mother, Empress Dowager Cixi, was a prominent political figure who dominated the late Qing court. Tongzhi ascended the throne at the age of six but never held real power throughout his short life, as governance was controlled by his mother, Empress Dowager Cixi. Although official records attribute his death at the age of 20 to smallpox, rumours persist among the populace that he succumbed to syphilis contracted during visits to brothels.