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 1853 - 1854?
OB: Tai Ping Tung Pao (or Tong Bao; t,b,l,r).
RX: Crescent and character for 'Sun' INSCRIBED! (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 or executed!
Attribution of this coin is uncertain. Sources claim that certain early Tai Ping related coins were first cast in lead. This coin is made of a lead or lead alloy. Again, the reverse appears to have an incribed character for 'sun' rather than the traditional Dot symbol representing the sun. Additionally, the character is formed from two strokes (ri + yue) which together embody the secret society symbol for "MING!" Again, see Helen Wang's article.
26 mm; 3.6 gm
Similar to Jen 892; C#39-2; Ma & Ma H94
Any help with attribution would be greatly appreciated.
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 ]