Wu Sangui struck these coins as the self-proclaimed ruler of the Great Zhou, having rebelled against the Qing in 1673 as part of the Revolt of the Three Feudatories. The uprising was coordinated with two other former Ming generals — Shang Kexi's son and Geng Jingzhong — who had each been granted autonomous southern provinces as reward for helping the Qing conquer China. Wu controlled Yunnan and Guizhou, and the Yun mint designation on this piece reflects that geographic base.
He died in 1678 before the revolt collapsed, sparing him the sight of its failure. Qing forces suppressed the last holdouts by 1681.
Wu Sangui struck these coins as the self-proclaimed ruler of the Great Zhou, having rebelled against the Qing in 1673 as part of the Revolt of the Three Feudatories. The uprising was coordinated with two other former Ming generals — Shang Kexi's son and Geng Jingzhong — who had each been granted autonomous southern provinces as reward for helping the Qing conquer China. Wu controlled Yunnan and Guizhou, and the Yun mint designation on this piece reflects that geographic base.
He died in 1678 before the revolt collapsed, sparing him the sight of its failure. Qing forces suppressed the last holdouts by 1681.