“Black birds tend to like shiny things” ~ The Bloody Raven
Four years ago, I was taken in by a lovely shiny 1895 Japanese Yen that I had bought at the Nikkei Japanese cultural Center coin show . How appropriate the venue. There was almost a spiritual Zen like feeling having acquired this almost uncirculated 1895 Yen at the time, yet the passage and process did not feel complete until I acquired the companion coin that was the Chi counterpart to my original coin.
From my experience, “Nothing is a coincidence in the spirit world.” This journey complete. Thank you, Ben of HK Colonial Coins, and Nyssacat for pinning this coin down for me. My two Netsuke friends will interpret.
First, the Original 1895 Japanese Trade Dollar…
👩"Burt, what is your interpretation of this coin's Chi?"
"As you wish Mistress Raven."🐉
"Proceed."
First this coin was under possession of a Japanese prefecture governor and in turn gave it to a Geisha lady for um… personal services rendered, which explains the strong emotional imprint.
The Geisha in turn purchased a special new silk kimono from a Tokyo Seamstress as a birthday indulgence.
The Seamstress in turn traded this coin for some Chinese silk from an American merchant steamship’s trade officer then fell in love with the ship’s Captain… ending with the coin in this aged Captain’s hand many years later reminiscing in his last moments.
Nothing further from there except your excitement getting this coin, Mistress Raven.”
"Thank you Burt."
"You are welcome, Mistress."
And Behold, my Latest Trade Dollar addition
This coin may look in terrible condition but there is a beauty and sense of perfection found within the chaos above mere appearance.
👩"Jinjin, what is your interpretation of this coin's Chi?"
"Yes, Mistress Raven."💀
"Proceed."
Paid for an impromptu wedding during the Boxer Rebellion.
A man was moved to donate the coin to buy rice for six starving families following a costly wildfire.
I see a coin flip to settle a Kung Fu brawl in a drinking establishment.
A Qing guard was bribed to free a prisoner during the Xinhai Rebellion.
Was part of a lottery that turned out to be a scam.
Paid passage for a boat full of peasants fleeing to Taipei from the communists.
And the rest are bits and pieces my Mistress.”
"Thank you Jinjin."
"At your service, Mistress."
"If only coins can talk, but at least they can be creative." ~ Anonymous
Chop marks on coins are Chinese characters stamped or embossed onto coins by merchants in order to validate the weight, authenticity and silver content of the coin. Depending on particular technique coins said to have been "chopmarked", "countermarked" and "counterstamped" ~ Wikipedia
And, there we have it for today.
I understand that there is a Chop Marks guide in existence that I'll come around in finding in an electronic version one day. But, I still have a bit of Trade Dollar Stackitis to resolve.
Thanks, for visiting my post.
Stacking Gold, Silver, and Hive for that rainy day.
The #piratesunday tag ☠️ is the scurvy scheme of Captain @stokjockey for #silvergoldstackers pirates to proudly showcase their shiny booty and plunder for all to see. Landlubbers arrrh… welcomed to participate and be a Pirate at heart so open yer treasure chests an’ show us what booty yea got!
Related Posts
1895 Japanese One Yen.
1977 Nippon Maru silver bar.
The Karasu Samurai Money.
High Relief Samurai Mask and helmet silver round.
Sources
Wiki; Chop marks on coins.
Wiki; List of Chinese Rebellions
Wiki; Meiji Era
Numista; Japanese One Yen Trade Dollar
HK Colonial Coins on Instagram
References
