China Yong Zheng Tong Boa Coinage (including Feng Shui) 1723 to 1735

These old coins from the China Qing Dynasty, Emperor Shi Zong, were cast between 1723-35. Our image below shows how the Chinese characters are read, from top to bottom, then from right to left: Yong zheng Tong bao, also called Yung-cheng T-ung-pao.

We discuss three types of this coin, first the amazing specimen in our primary picture (to the left) and then the two coins in our secondary picture below.

Heritage Auctions sold the master coin in our primary picture for $3200 US dollars during a 2015 auction. This coin is one of the 'seed' coins used to make the molds from which standard circulating coins were cast. For obvious reasons, such master coins are in strong demand and carry very high prices. $3200 is not unreasonable for such a superb specimen. CoinQuest thanks Heritage for use of their coin photo. It is a beauty!

Consider now the two coin below, shown to scale. The upper coin is a 'Cash coin' used in circulation, and the lower coin is a 'Feng Shui' coin used in metaphysical arts. (Discussion continues below these pictures.)

Values of cash coins are still quite low. As interest in Chinese coins continues to grow, prices are sure to pick up. Typical catalog values for the cash coins (reverse sides vary) are:

CASH: YONG ZHENG TONG BAO (about 26 mm diameter)
worn: $3 US dollars approximate catalog value
average circulated: $15
well preserved: $30

The cash coin in our picture above would sell for about $12 retail.

The larger Feng Shui coins are usually modern and less valuable. Feng shui is a Chinese philosophical system that seeks to harmonize people with their surroundings. The term feng shui literally translates as 'wind-water' in English. It is one of the Five Arts of Chinese Metaphysics, and Feng Shui coins are meant to bring good luck.

Accurately evaluating Feng Shui coins is basically impossible. A Google search on 'feng shui coin' brings up dozens of listings with prices ranging from a few US cents per coin to a few US dollars. Since Feng Shui has been around for thousands of years, it is possible that ancient Feng Shui coins exist. If a coin can be proven ancient, it would be worth substantial amounts. But modern technology makes it easy to produce a modern coin that looks old. To our knowledge there is no reliable method to date Feng Shui coins. Our value estimates, then, are:

MODERN FENG SHUI: YONG ZHENG TONG BAO (about 40 mm diameter)
worn: less than $1 US dollars approximate catalog value
average circulated: $3
well preserved: $8

ANCIENT FENG SHUI: YONG ZHENG TONG BAO (about 40 mm diameter)
worn: $10 US dollars approximate catalog value
average circulated: $80
well preserved: $200
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