China - Qing Dynasty QING: Tai Ping, rebels, 1858-1862, AE membership token (17.3g), CCH-436, 39mm, Golden Coin Society, a secret society, cast in southeast Zhejiang and northeast Fujian provinces in 1858-62, yi ji jin qian (mark of loyalty - a golden coin) // four interlocking diamonds on reverse, graded 80(07) by GBCA Grading Company, VF-XF, ex Dr. Dirk Löer Collection, ex Teutoburger Auction 85, Lot 256. In 1858, during the eighth year of the Xian Feng emperor, eight people assembled in Pingyang, Zhejiang Province to form the Qianjin "Golden Coin Society" and cast this charm as a membership badge. Diameters range from approximately 40-45mm and weights range from 20-40 grams. Zhao Qi, a former dock coolie from Qiancang town, Pingyang County in Zhejiang Province, founded the Golden Coin Society with only 8 members and the Society eventually grew to over 100,000 members. By August 1861, the Golden Coin Society took up the banner of rebellion against the Qing dynasty in Ruian, Zhejiang. The rebellion spread throughout southern Zhejiang and northern Fujian Provinces. The Golden Coin Society was a branch of the Heaven and Earth Society during the Taiping Rebellion. Members of the Qianjin "Golden Coin Society" wore red headbands and carried these coins displayed at their waists.
