1/2 Tael Tianguo / Shengbao

Historical Context: This 1/2 Tael silver coin was issued by the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom during the tumultuous Taiping Rebellion (1850-1864), a devastating civil war challenging the Qing Dynasty. Under the leadership of Hong Xiuquan, the Taiping state established its capital in Nanjing and asserted its sovereignty by issuing its own currency from 1853 to 1864. These coins were crucial for their internal economy and military operations, symbolizing their defiance and aspiration to replace the Qing imperial order.

Artistry: The engravers of these coins remain anonymous, likely local artisans operating under wartime conditions. The style adheres to traditional Chinese numismatic conventions but often exhibits a more utilitarian aesthetic compared to official Qing issues. The obverse typically features the characters 'Tianguo Taiping' (Heavenly Kingdom of Great Peace), while the reverse bears 'Shengbao' (Sacred Treasure) and the denomination. The characters are generally bold, reflecting the urgency and distinct identity of the Taiping regime.

Technical/Grading: Key high-points for assessing wear on this 1/2 Tael piece include the central strokes of the 'Tianguo' and 'Shengbao' legends, as well as the outer rim. Due to wartime production, planchets often display irregularities in shape and thickness, and strikes can be inconsistent, ranging from sharp to slightly off-center or weakly impressed. The specified weight of 18.22 grams and diameter of 33.5 millimeters are critical for authenticating these often crudely manufactured but historically significant issues.