Artemide Aste s.r.l.
Auction 46E 23-24 Feb 2019
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China. Charles IV (1788-1808). Chopmarked 8 Reales 1806 TH, Mexico City. Host coin KM 109. AG. g. 26.73 mm. 40.50 RR. Good VF.
Chop marks on coins are characters stamped onto coins by merchants in order to validate the weight, authenticity and silver content of the coin. The marks are often Chinese characters, such as tien for heaven or li for profit. Sometimes they are more abstract, a sunburst or swastika. The numeral "8" familiar to us is also common by way of cultural transference because "8" is widely considered a lucky number in East Asia. Chinese merchants came to prefer the "Carolus" 8-reales of Spain of 1772-1810. They called them "Four Work" because the Roman numerals in the king's name CAROLVS IIII look like the Chinese character gong for work.
Chop marks on coins are characters stamped onto coins by merchants in order to validate the weight, authenticity and silver content of the coin. The marks are often Chinese characters, such as tien for heaven or li for profit. Sometimes they are more abstract, a sunburst or swastika. The numeral "8" familiar to us is also common by way of cultural transference because "8" is widely considered a lucky number in East Asia. Chinese merchants came to prefer the "Carolus" 8-reales of Spain of 1772-1810. They called them "Four Work" because the Roman numerals in the king's name CAROLVS IIII look like the Chinese character gong for work.