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Token - Taiwan Tong-Bao
| Issuer | Taiwan |
|---|---|
| Year | |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | Log in to see details |
| Currency | Log in to see details |
| Composition | Bronze |
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| Diameter | Log in to see details |
| Thickness | Log in to see details |
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| Obverse description | The obverse features four large Chinese characters arranged in the traditional cross-reading format around a central square perforation, reading clockwise from top: 臺 (Tai), 通 (Tong), 灣 (Wan), 寶 (Bao), together forming the legend 臺灣通寶 (Taiwan Tong-Bao, meaning 'Taiwan Circulating Treasure'). The characters are rendered in bold relief in a style reminiscent of classical Chinese cash coinage. A raised rim borders the design, and the flat field between the characters and rim is plain. The square central hole is framed by a slightly raised collar consistent with traditional cash coin design. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Log in to see details |
| Obverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Reverse description | Log in to see details |
| Reverse script | Log in to see details |
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| Edge | Plain |
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| Additional information |
Taiwan Tong-Bao tokens of this type circulated as supplementary cash during periods when officially sanctioned coinage from the mainland was insufficient to meet local demand — a chronic problem throughout the Qing administration of Taiwan. Their precise issuing authority remains debated; some scholars attribute them to local yamen offices, others to merchant guilds operating under tacit official tolerance.