China - Small Sword Society

Tai Ping Rebellion era of the Ch'ing (Qing) Dynasty; this coin was issue by the Small Sword Society, a secret society dedicated to the overthrow of the Manchu Qing dynasty. Issued in 1854.
OB: Tai Ping Tung Pao (or Tong Bao; t,b,l,r).
RX: Dot & Crescent (Sun & Moon); see Helen Wang (Heaven & Earth Soc. article) for the secret language embodied in the symbolism. These symbols implied the meaning of "Overthrow the Qing, Restore the Ming." Those caught with these coins were jailed and executed!
23 mm; 3.6 gm; Hartill Qing 4.42, Type 2.1 (scarcity 5).
The Society's headquarters were in the Yuyuan Gardens of Shanghai. The organization was founded in the 1850s during the upheavals of the Taiping Rebellion by Liu Lichuan. He took the nien hao (reign title) of Tian Yun (heavenly movement). It was one of a number of rebel groups to arise during this period, either affiliated with or proclaiming support for the rebel Taiping administration. The name Xiao Dao ("Small Swords") refers to daggers used by warriors or martial artists in close combat. It is believed to be linked to triads. The society consisted mainly of natives from Guangdong and Fujian, including Li Shaoqing, Li Xianyun and Pan Yiguo, directors of some of the huiguan or native place associations of Shanghai. Liu Lichang was killed in February 1855. Those caught in possession of these coins were sent to trial and many were executed.
VIEW and DOWNLOAD:
THE TWO Most Worthy Articles on the coins of the Tai P'ing Rebellion:
Money of the Kingdom of Heavenly Peace - Sandrock: [ link ]
Chinese Secret Society Coins & Tokens - Wang: [ link ]