🏺 His Story Treasures presents

📜 Zhaowu Tongbao “Yi Fen” (昭武通宝 壹分) | Wu Sangui Rebellion Issue, 1678 | Early Qing Transitional Power Struggle | GBCA AU88 Certified

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🧭 HIS STORY

In the late 17th century, China stood at a breaking point.

The Qing dynasty had taken Beijing, but the empire was far from secure. Across the south, powerful warlords still held their ground—none more formidable than one man:

👉 Wu Sangui (吴三桂)

Once a Ming general…

Then the man who opened the gates to the Qing…

And finally, the rebel who turned against them.

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⚔️ THE REBELLION THAT SHOOK AN EMPIRE

In 1678, during the Revolt of the Three Feudatories, Wu Sangui declared himself emperor in Hengyang, Hunan.

He established a short-lived regime:

👉 大周 (Great Zhou)

👉 Era name: 昭武 (Zhaowu)

To legitimize his rule, he did what all emperors must do:

👉 He issued his own currency.

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🪙 A COIN OF AMBITION — AND FINAL DEFIANCE

This coin, 昭武通宝, was cast in that moment of rebellion.

It follows the traditional Chinese format:

• Round coin, square hole

• Inscription: Zhaowu Tongbao (Currency of the Zhaowu era)

But this piece carries something far more powerful:

👉 The final ambition of a man who tried to reshape history.

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💰 “壹分” — A RARE LARGE DENOMINATION

Unlike common cash coins, this example bears:

👉 “壹分” (One Fen) on the reverse

This indicates:

• Higher denomination

• Larger format

• Heavier casting

With a diameter of ~34mm and weight ~11.4g, this is a substantial and commanding piece, far above standard circulation coins.

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⏳ A REGIME THAT LASTED MONTHS

Here is what makes this coin truly exceptional:

• Issued in 1678

• Wu Sangui died the same year

• His regime collapsed almost immediately

👉 Circulation period: extremely short

👉 Survival rate: limited

This is not just a coin—

👉 It is a failed empire, frozen in metal

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🌏 A TURNING POINT IN CHINESE HISTORY

This coin represents:

• The last major resistance against early Qing rule

• The transition from fragmented power to imperial consolidation

• The closing chapter of Ming loyalist movements

It sits at the intersection of:

👉 Loyalty

👉 Betrayal

👉 Power

👉 Collapse

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🔍 CONDITION & AUTHENTICITY

• Type: Zhaowu Tongbao (昭武通宝)

• Denomination: 壹分 (1 Fen)

• Date: 1678

• Grade: 极美88 (AU-level preservation)

• Certification: GBCA (Bao Cui Coins Rating)

• Certification #: B0A37A0460

Specifications:

• Diameter: ~34.0 mm

• Thickness: ~2.0 mm

• Weight: ~11.4 g

✔ Bold and clear inscriptions

✔ Strong relief and well-defined calligraphy

✔ Attractive natural patina

✔ Large-size, high-denomination type

A highly collectible example with both historical depth and visual presence.

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📈 WHY THIS COIN MATTERS

This is not a standard Qing coin.

It is:

• A rebellion coin tied to a named historical figure

• A short-lived regime issue (rarity driver)

• A large denomination cast coin (collector premium)

👉 These three factors together place it in a higher collector tier

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🎯 PERFECT FOR

• Advanced collectors of Qing dynasty & rebellion coinage

• Specialists in Wu Sangui / Three Feudatories history

• Buyers seeking high-story, museum-style artifacts

• Investors in scarce transitional coinage

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🏪 FROM HIS STORY TREASURES

At His Story Treasures, we curate coins that represent moments of change.

This is not a coin of stability—

👉 It is a coin of rebellion, ambition, and collapse.

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📦 COLLECTOR STRATEGY NOTE

Pairs exceptionally well with:

• Late Ming coins

• Early Qing Kangxi issues

• Other rebellion / regional coins

👉 Together forming a “Fall of Ming → Rise of Qing” collection narrative