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kcskorner · ‎01-08-2023

My brother had this made into a necklace for me many years ago (1990s). I never thought to ask him what it said. He has since passed away and now I can't ask him. I took the photos without the flash because it's quite shiny like gold. It's been in my jewelry box since he gave it to me. If anyone can help, I'd greatly appreciate it!

Cheryl

elheron-grande · ‎01-08-2023

On the side with 4 characters at 6 oclock is the Emperor character. It appears to be similar to the character for Chien-Lung who was Emperor 1736 to 1796.

On the side with 2 characters the one on the left is a standard Manchu character. The character to the right is a Manchu 'mint mark'. Heron has never seen that 'mint mark' and does not know if this item is a genuine coin or perhaps a palace 'gift' coin, or a coin made for the tourist trade. In addition Heron has never seen a Chinese cash coin in such good grade (grade of condition).

elheron-grande · ‎01-08-2023

More information regarding Ch'ing Dynasty cash coins can be found at Calgary Coin cast Chinese coins. There are several other good sources of info for Ch'ing Dynasty cash coins. Go to search and punch in Ch'ing Dynasty cash coins with mint marks. Several sources should be available.

kcskorner · ‎01-08-2023

Thanks

Cheryl

kcskorner · ‎01-08-2023

I'm going to have it tested for gold. It's not brass and it's not bronze. I love it either way. I know his partner traveled to China a few times and he could have picked it up there. But, like I said my brother is gone now (and so is his partner) so I've no one to ask. I appreciate you taking the time to tell me all of this!

Cheryl

elheron-grande · ‎01-08-2023

If you happen to discover what 'mint mark' is on the Chinese cash please share the info here. Heron has an illustrated list of mint marks for coins issued during the Ch'ing Dynasty (illustrated by el Heron).

kcskorner · ‎01-09-2023

I'll keep looking even though I'm getting cross-eyed. LOL!

Cheryl

lacemaker3 · ‎01-09-2023

@kcskorner wrote:
I'm going to have it tested for gold. It's not brass and it's not bronze. I love it either way. I know his partner traveled to China a few times and he could have picked it up there. But, like I said my brother is gone now (and so is his partner) so I've no one to ask. I appreciate you taking the time to tell me all of this!

I think that it would be very helpful to have it tested for gold. Because if it is gold, then you know that it is a reproduction that was made for jewelry use.

The Chinese coins (and the very similar ones that were used in Japan after the Chinese ones stopped circulating there around 1601) were made from copper-alloy (brass or bronze) or iron.