RRRR Ping Jing cash, King Li Wenmao, 1857-58, Guangdong Triad society, Red Turban rebellion, China

Chinese characters Ping Jing Sheng Bao (“Sacred currency of (King) Ping Jing”) // Zhong Ying (“Middle Camp”). 27.4mm, 6.0 grams. Hartill 23.47. 

The Red Turban Rebellion of 1854–1856 was a rebellion by members of the Tiandihui (Heaven and Earth Society) in the Guangdong province of South China. The initial core of the rebels were Tiandihui secret societies that were involved in both revolutionary activity and organized crime, such as prostitution, piracy, and smuggling. In October 1854 the rebel elected Li Wenmao and Chen Kai as joint alliance-masters. Li Wenmao declared himself a Ping Jing (“restorer of Peace”). He cast coins with this title, probably in Liuzhou in Guangxi for a short period. All his coins are very rare.