I just got the coin in the photo. It has three of the characters of Xi Ning (Yuan) Bao in seal script, but I don't recognise the bottom character where the Yuan would normally be. The coin is 31.1mm diameter and 7.3g. Also unusual is the reverse rim which is much wider that that on the obverse. Real? Fake? Any ideas?
Hsi Ning Chung Dynasty: Northern Sung (906 - 1127 a.d.) Emperor: Shen Tsung (1068 - 1085 a.d.) Reign Title: Hsi Ning (1068 - 1077 a.d.) Also see Hsi Ning Charms (None) 31 mm Obv.: Hsi Ning Chung Pao (t,r,b,l) Rev.: Plain Rarity: Common Ref.: No. 542 27 mm Obv.: Hsi Ning Chung Pao (t,r,b,l) Seal script Rev.: Plain Rarity: Ref.: No. 536
Not to hijack this thread, but what resources are you folks using to attribute these Chinese coins? I recently purchased a large lot of oriental coins (mostly Chinese) primarily for resale as I don't collect them, and right now my only resources are the Krause guides. Anyone who has one of these knows how terrible some of their pictures can be. I'd post them, but there are literally hundreds of coins I have to sort through. If anyone could point me to a good resource (or website even) it would be greatly appreciated!
The best resource I have is David Hartill's Cast Chinese Coins, available from Trafford.com. I also use Jorgensen's Old Coins of China for quick reference - available from Bob Reis at www.anythinganywhere.com. Also Calgary Coins have a good website, and Zeno.ru is an excellent site for advanced research. When you have identified your Chinese coins, please let me know - i am always on the lookout for additions to my collection.
