Trade Dollars and tar.........

longtimecollector

Thiggy's trade dollar in this thread, reminded me of something I once heard - read about trade dollars and tar.... I think it had something to do with ships and perhaps smuggling....... does this ring any bells with anyone?

dthigpen

Hmm, tar would explain that toning. I would be interested in hearing more about this if anyone pirate history buffs are out there.

tradedollarnut

Yes, many trade dollars were smuggled out of communist China as ballast in junks - covered with tar.

dthigpen

Hmmm, Makes ya wonder if some of those smuggled trade dollars were actually box dollars with a little treat inside?

dthigpen

I'll pay a bounty to anyone who can reference a book or detailed article on the history of the practice of smuggling trade dollars in tar on boats; references to specific accounts of it happening are a plus.

dthigpen

Going to do one bump on this thread, will gladly pay someone for their time if they can locate some good research material on this topic.

tradedollarnut

Can't remember where I read it, but I know I did.