Summary

Dollar 'Old Man Dollar', Issued by Taiwan (Formosa), China, 1837-1845. Mint not recorded. Cast by the revolutionist Chang Wen to pay his troops which were stationed on the Island of Formosa. Sometimes known as the 'Old Man Dollar'. The chop marks were tests that the coin was silver and not just silver plated.

Obverse Description

Chinese god of longevity, half-length facing; to the left, 4 seal script (Cast in the time of Tao Kwang); to right, 4 letters in seal script (seven two on the treasury scales); on the god, 4 letters in Chinese script (Silver cake of the standard purity or Pure Sycee generally current). Seven chop marks.

Reverse Description

Sacrificial vase resting on three feet; around, 4 Manchu letters, above and below signify Formosa; on right: Hoo (possibly: Treasury); on left, Kyahi (a town 39 miles north of Tainan). Five chop marks.

Edge Description

plain.

More Information

  • Collecting Areas

    Numismatics & Philately

  • Acquisition Information

    Transfer from National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), 15 Mar 1976

  • Date Issued

    1837-1845 AD

  • Issued By

    Taiwan, China

  • Denomination

    1 Dollar

  • Material

    Silver

  • Axis

    12

  • Classification

    Coins, China - taiwan, Working strikes

  • Category

    History & Technology

  • Discipline

    Numismatics

  • Type of item

    Object

  • Dimensions

    39 mm (Outside Diameter), 25.56 g (Weight)

  • Shape

    Off round

  • References

    References: Translation from www.chinararecoin.com on 19/10/2012 C#25.3
    [Book] Bruce, Colin R. 2006. Standard Catalogue of World Coins 1801 - 1900., 213 Pages