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Asian coin with unknown symbol
jmm2562
Posts: 84 ✭✭
Anyone recognize this symbol at the top of this asian coin? I have two of them both with blank reverses. Image match no help...
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None of the characters on this coin are readily recognizable; that's because it's not actually a coin, but a charm. Judging by how badly the characters are rendered, I would assume it to have been written by someone not entirely familiar with Chinese.
If I had to guess, I would assume the design to be based on the Guangxu tongbao coins; thus, the highlighted unknown character is supposed to be a "guang".
The purpose of such coin-like objects is twofold: some are intended to be made into good luck charms, often bundled together in groups or auspicious arrangements. Others are made for literally throwing into the fire, as funeral offerings.
Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius, "Meditations"
Apparently I have been awarded the DPOTD twice.
@Sapyx Ahh... I had not thought about the possibility of this being a good luck charm or amulet. Quite a few varieties at first glance and somewhat making real coin ID more challenging. I do have several other specimens with blank reverses, but they appear more coin-like. Thanks!
While we are on the charm offensive, I thought I would share another couple of possible charms that are more close copies of real coins. First one is apparently a replica of Ottoman Empire 1/2 cedid mahmudiye 1808... and commonly found belly dancer charm.
Yep, those are both "imitation Ottoman jewellery pieces" - while "belly dancer coin" is an evocative description, they were used for more general ornamentation than just belly dancers.
Your first example is more authentic-looking than the second; most of the script on the second coin has degenerated into meaningless scribbles. The prototype genuine coins are the ones dated Regnal Year 28 (converting to AD 1835). https://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces29671.html
Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius, "Meditations"
Apparently I have been awarded the DPOTD twice.