Late Ming Dynasty Silver Xi Wang Shang Gong Reward Coin, 17th Century

拍品描述

Dimensions: 4.7 cm (1.85 inches) in diameter, 24 grams, 17th-century Chinese ancient coin. Condition and Provenance: This Xi Wang Shang Gong silver coin is in excellent condition, without cracks, perforations, or signs of repair. The square central hole is well-formed, with clearly raised inner and outer edges. The characters are clear, and the strokes are unworn. The entire coin is covered with a natural black patina due to its long history of preservation, and the silver surface exhibits natural oxidation with a soft, original luster. The reverse is smooth and flat, with only slight signs of circulation. This coin was originally a private antique collectible unearthed near the ancient battlefield of Jiangkou, Pengshan, Sichuan Province. This silver "Xi Wang Shang Gong" reward coin was sold in 2024 by a gallery specializing in ancient coins in Singapore and in 2026 by a private collector in Pennsylvania, USA, specializing in coins from the late Ming Dynasty rebels. Singapore, Pennsylvania, and Vancouver are key trading centers for rare ancient Chinese coins worldwide. Description: This late Ming Dynasty Xiwang Shanggong reward coin is one of the most coveted and extremely rare rebel coins in the numismatic world. Minted by Zhang Xianzong during his rule of Sichuan in the late Ming Dynasty, it was exclusively for the use of his meritorious soldiers and not for civilian transactions. This coin exists in gold, silver, and copper, with the silver version being far rarer than the copper version. It features the classic Chinese square-holed round coin shape, with four clearly legible characters in regular script on the obverse, reading "Xiwang Shanggong." The vigorous calligraphy reflects the rugged aesthetics of military coins from the turbulent late Ming Dynasty. The coin surface is smooth, with thick, distinct edges. The reverse is blank, devoid of any decorative patterns, showcasing a robust and solid casting process. The silver alloy is of extremely high purity, covered with a uniform, natural black bronze patina, formed naturally over hundreds of years without any artificial aging treatment. This Xiwang Shanggong coin preserves important historical evidence of the peasant uprising in Sichuan during the late Ming Dynasty and possesses extremely high archaeological, numismatic, and cultural value. All authoritative catalogs of ancient coins list it as a top national treasure. This well-preserved silver coin, with its complete original patina and clear inscription details, is highly sought after by coin collectors, museums, and private collectors worldwide, and is an irreplaceable treasure among extant coins from the late Ming Dynasty uprising.

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