This coin of Emperor Sheng Tsu (Kang-Hsi, AD1662-1722) is called Lohan coin. Its size is 26.5mmx1.5mm. The characters on the obverse are different from common Kang-Hsi coins. Hsi (the lower character) has no vertical stroke on the left and Tong (the right character) has only one dot on the upper-left if compared with common Kang-Hsi coins. Here’s one common Kang-Hsi coin from the same mint. Lohan coins are believed to be issued as commemorative coins in AD 1713, to celebrate Kang Hsi's 60th birthday. Another tale said these coins were issued by General Nian Gengyao before he set out for a battle. He had an urgent need for money to pay his soldiers. So he melted some big statues of Buddha from local temples and promised to recast these statues when he came back. In order to collect these coins at that time, he should distinguish them from common ones. So he took to a different design. Tales are just tales. But people choose to believe that those coins were made of statues of Buddha. They believe Lohan coins will bring luck and happiness. They even believe those coins have gold in them, because if you rub them hard, their surface could turn kind of golden. Their popularity among ordinary people and collectors makes Lohan coins more pricy than other Kang-Hsi coins. You cannot find a Lohan coin in good condition under the price of $20-$30 and even $50 or more.
