I bought this coin years ago. Just cause I liked it. It doesn't appear to be authentic as it looks casted. I was told it was a Monk coin sold by Monks to raise money. The reverse is not 1950's code so I'm only showing the obverse but was curious if anyone knew what it was. Thanks!
Actually, it's a Chinese charm and not a coin. Chinese charms are traditionally cast as opposed to struck from dies. To view the inscription in its correct orientation, the charm should be rotated about 90 degrees counterclockwise. The inscription is written in an old seal script and is read top to bottom and right to left as ming huang yu ying. Like a number of other Chinese charms, it is unclear as to what this inscription really means. Most Chinese reference books do not even make an attempt. It may be an obscure reference that has now been lost in history. I have an idea as to what it means but would need to do some research before I would have confidence in its accuracy. This type of charm is usually referred to as a "marriage" charm. The reverse side displays four amorous couples in different sexual positions. Most Chinese would say that the purpose of the charm is to instruct newlyweds on their wedding night. Incidentally, the vast majority of these particular charms are modern reproductions. Unfortunately, I cannot really say much about your particular specimen because the image is not clear enough. It is quite a coincidence that you should post your charm at this time. Just this week I started writing a short article on a similar charm that I have. It has the same four couples on the reverse but a different inscription. In the next week or so, I plan to include the charm with description at Chinese Marriage Charms on my website dedicated to Ancient Chinese Charms. Gary
Ah I've saw a large simular one called a Wedding coin but calling it a charm makes more sense. Ah and your correct about what is on the back. I only paid like $10 for 2 of them. Thanks so much!
