China, EMPIRE, Tai Ping Rebellion, Small Sword Society, brass Cash, 3.40g (cf. KM. C39-2). Fine, rare £100-£150

The Society, founded in 1853 during the upheavals of the Taiping Rebellion, was headquartered in Shanghai. The name refers to daggers used by warriors or martial artists in close combat and is believed to be linked to triads. Those caught in possession of these coins were sent to trial and many were executed