清 「宣統通寶」背「天下太平」花錢一枚以126.5萬元成交
A Comprehensive Guide to Qing Dynasty Charm Coins: Varieties and Market Value Analysis
清代花錢版別與市場收藏價值全面解析
Introduction: The Cultural Significance of Qing Dynasty Charm Coins
導論：清代花錢的文化意義
This article primarily explores the value and appreciation of Qing Dynasty charm coins.
Qing Dynasty charm coins (花钱), often overlooked in favor of regular currency, represent a fascinating intersection of art, politics, and folk beliefs. These non-circulating coins were produced for ceremonial, commemorative, and protective purposes, making them invaluable cultural artifacts. Unlike standard coinage, charm coins served as tangible expressions of imperial power, popular aspirations, and spiritual beliefs, offering modern collectors a unique window into Qing society.
清代花錢（花錢）常被標準貨幣所掩蓋，但其作為藝術、政治與民間信仰的交匯點，具有極高的文化價值。這些非流通錢幣專用於儀式、紀念及護身用途，成為不可或缺的文化遺產。與制式錢幣不同，花錢是皇權、民間願望與精神信仰的具體呈現，為現代收藏家開啟了一扇了解清代社會的獨特窗口。
「于斯萬年」花錢以40.23萬元成交
I. Classification Systems and Casting Characteristics
一、版別體系與鑄造特徵
1. Palace Coins: The Pinnacle of Imperial Symbolism
1. 宮錢體系：皇權象徵的巔峰之作
The “Universal Peace” (天下太平) series represents the zenith of Qing palace coins, produced consistently from Qianlong to Xuantong reigns. Qianlong-era specimens with this inscription were cast from meticulously carved master molds, exhibiting exceptional copper purity and sharp edge rims—surviving examples are exceedingly rare. Jiaqing palace coins feature over 20 reverse inscriptions including “Five Generations Under One Roof” (五世同堂) and “Descendants Numbering Billions” (子孫千億), all rendered in standardized regular script. The Xianfeng period saw three distinct variants: Bao with square top (缶寶), Slanted Feng (撇豐), and Vertical Feng (豎豐), with the “Unifying the Empire” (一統天下) reverse depicting the Eight Trigrams standing out for its technical perfection. Xuantong examples remain the crown jewels due to limited production during the dynasty’s twilight years. These palace coins typically measure 35-40mm in diameter and weigh 20-30g, far exceeding civilian charm coins in manufacturing standards.
「天下太平」系列代表了清代宮錢的頂峰，從乾隆到宣統朝持續鑄造。乾隆時期宮錢採用雕母翻鑄工藝，銅質精純、子口挺拔，存世極少。嘉慶宮錢背文多達20餘種，如「五世同堂」、「子孫千億」等，楷書字體規整。咸豐宮錢版式複雜，缶寶、撇豐、豎豐三版並存，其中「一統天下」背八卦圖者工藝精湛。宣統通寶背「天下太平」因王朝末期鑄造量少，成為清代宮錢珍品。此類錢幣直徑多在35-40毫米，重量20-30克，鑄造標準遠超民間花錢。
2. Auspicious Phrases: Vessels of Folk Culture
2. 吉語體系：民俗文化的錢幣載體
Auspicious phrase coins typically feature four-character blessings like “Happiness, Longevity, Health, and Tranquility” (福壽康寧) or “Longevity and Wealth” (長命富貴). The Suzhou Mint-produced “Wealth, Nobility, Longevity” (富貴壽考) with “Eternal Joy” (長樂未央) reverse, measuring 56mm and weighing 43g, commands ¥20,000 for average specimens and up to ¥40,000 for premium examples. An octagonal “Top Scholar” (狀元及第) coin with “Fortune and Prosperity” (福祿) reverse, measuring 48.5mm and weighing 33.5g, achieved ¥345,000 at auction due to its intricate engraving. The “Fair Winds and Good Fortune” (順風大吉) with “Return Fully Loaded” (滿載而歸) reverse, measuring 49mm and weighing 32g, exceeds ¥50,000 for fine specimens, representing the pinnacle of Qing official mint craftsmanship.
吉語錢以四字吉言為核心，如「福壽康寧」、「長命富貴」等。其中「富貴壽考」背「長樂未央」蘇爐鑄造品，直徑56毫米，重43克，普品價2萬元，美品達4萬元；「狀元及第」背「福祿」蘇爐八角形花錢，直徑48.5毫米，重33.5克，雕工繁複，成交價34.5萬元。另有「順風大吉」背「滿載而歸」蘇爐錢，直徑49毫米，重32克，美品價超5萬元，其鑄造工藝體現清代官爐巔峰水平。
3. Religious Coins: Monetary Expressions of Taoist Symbolism
3. 宗教體系：道教符咒的貨幣化表達
Religious charm coins primarily feature Eight Trigrams (八卦) or Supreme Incantation (太上咒) designs. The Guangxu Tongbao with Eight Trigrams reverse, measuring 47mm, regularly exceeds ¥400,000 for fine specimens. The Supreme Incantation coin with deity illustration, measuring 46mm and weighing 22g, maintains a stable market value around ¥10,000 due to its alleged protective properties from being cast with ancient Buddhist bronze. The “Expel Evil and Invite Blessings” (驅邪降福) with “Zhong Kui Exorcising Five Poisons” (鍾馗驅五毒) reverse from Suzhou Mint, measuring 47mm and weighing 28g, can reach ¥50,000 for examples with rich patina.
宗教錢以八卦錢、太上咒錢為代表。光緒通寶背八卦圖大錢直徑達47毫米，好品價格超40萬元；太上咒背神仙圖花錢直徑46毫米，重22克，因採用古佛銅熔鑄，具有護身符屬性，市場價穩定在萬元級。另有「驅邪降福」背「鍾馗驅五毒」蘇爐錢，直徑47毫米，重28克，包漿醇厚者成交價可達5萬元。
4. Zodiac Coins: Three-Dimensional Representations of Earthly Branches
4. 生肖體系：十二地支的立體呈現
The Suzhou Mint-produced Zodiac-Eight Trigrams combination coins represent the classic zodiac type, with standard editions (49mm, 31g) averaging ¥8,000, while premium specimens exceed ¥10,000. A exceptional Fujian Mint opening ceremony coin measuring 67mm in diameter, 5.8mm thick, and weighing 121g, realized ¥782,000 at Shanghai Hongsheng’s 2022 spring auction—setting the record for zodiac charm coins. The “Happiness, Longevity, Health, and Tranquility” (福壽康寧) with “Dragon-Tiger Struggle” (龍虎鬥) reverse, measuring 51mm and weighing 39g, commands over ¥30,000 for fine examples.
十二生肖錢以蘇爐鑄造的「生肖八卦」組合最為典型。標準版直徑49毫米，重31克，普品價8000元，美品破萬；2022年上海宏盛春拍現世一枚特大型福建局開爐錢，直徑67毫米，厚5.8毫米，重121克，採用寶福局咸豐大錢鑄造工藝，成交價78.2萬元，創下生肖錢拍賣紀錄。另有「福壽康寧」背十二生肖龍虎鬥錢，直徑51毫米，重39克，美品價3萬元以上。
清 龍鳳八邊形花錢以57.5萬元成交
II. Market Value Assessment System
二、市場價值評估體系
1. Condition Determines Value Gradients
1. 品相決定價值梯度
For palace coins, condition dramatically affects value: a massive Qianlong specimen (62.2mm, 236.1g) with thick planchet and smooth hole realized ¥368,000, while a Daoguang Tongbao “Universal Peace” coin (37.4mm) with superior copper quality and clear edges graded PF90 by Huaxia fetched ¥215,000. Condition variations typically cause 5-10x price fluctuations for common palace coins.
以「天下太平」宮錢為例：直徑62.2毫米、重236.1克的乾隆特大型宮錢，因錢體厚重、穿口平整，成交價達36.8萬元；直徑37.4毫米的道光通寶背「天下太平」宮錢，因銅質精良、子口清晰，獲華夏評級PF90分，成交價21.5萬元。普通宮錢品相差異導致價格波動幅度達5-10倍。
2. Rarity Dictates Premium Potential
2. 稀缺性決定溢價空間
Xuantong “Universal Peace” palace coins survive in fewer than 50 examples—a 38mm pattern coin reached ¥850,000 at Hangzhou Yihe’s 2024 spring auction. The aforementioned Fujian zodiac opening ceremony coin remains unique, with the 67mm specimen achieving ¥782,000. Such rare varieties consistently appreciate over 30% annually.
宣統通寶背「天下太平」宮錢存世量不足50枚，2024年杭州宜和春拍一枚直徑38毫米的樣錢，成交價達85萬元；福建局特大型生肖八卦開爐錢目前僅見1枚，直徑67毫米的孤品以78.2萬元易主。此類珍稀品種年均漲幅超30%。
3. Craftsmanship Influences Value Perception
3. 工藝水準影響價值認知
Hand-engraved coins vastly outperform machine-made ones: a Qing “Auspicious Stars Shine Bright” (吉星高照) charm (64.8mm, 219.4g) with high-relief carving realized ¥1,058,000 at Hangzhou Yihe’s 2024 spring auction, while a “Happiness, Longevity, Health, and Tranquility” palace coin (55.1mm, 121.2g) with natural patina and flawless field brought ¥1,035,000.
手雕花錢因工藝複雜，價格遠超機制品。2024年杭州宜和春拍一枚清代「吉星高照」手雕花錢，直徑64.8毫米，重219.4克，採用立體高浮雕工藝，成交價達105.8萬元；同場拍賣的「福壽康寧」宮錢，直徑55.1毫米，重121.2克，因包漿自然、地章精整，成交價103.5萬元。
清代道教八卦花錢以49.5萬元成交
III. Strategic Collection Recommendations
三、收藏策略建議
- Variety Selection: Prioritize imperial reign titles with “Universal Peace” reverses and Suzhou Mint auspicious/zodiac coins
- 版別選擇：優先關注宮錢體系中的帝號背「天下太平」系列，以及蘇爐鑄造的吉語錢、生肖錢
- Condition Control: Focus on large coins exceeding 50mm with natural yellowish patina and no repairs
- 品相把控：重點關注直徑超50毫米的大型花錢，以及包漿自然、無修補的傳世黃亮品
- Craftsmanship Identification: Seek hand-engraved,旋邊(rotated edge), and openwork techniques for significant premiums
- 工藝鑑別：重點關注手雕工藝、旋邊工藝、鏤空工藝等特殊品種，此類錢幣溢價能力顯著
- Academic Support: Consult classical references like “Illustrated Guide to Large Coins” (《大錢圖錄》) alongside modern grading systems
- 學術支撐：參考《大錢圖錄》等典籍，結合現代評級體系，建立系統性收藏框架
Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Qing Charm Coins
結語：清代花錢的永恆遺產
Qing Dynasty charm coins, as special artifacts blending imperial symbolism, folk beliefs, and artistic appreciation, derive their value not only from material aspects—copper quality, craftsmanship, size—but also from cultural codes and historical memory. As the coin market professionalizes, premium Qing charm coins with documented provenance, unique artistic expression, and limited survival will continue leading the numismatic collector’s market.
清代花錢作為融合皇權象徵、民俗信仰與藝術審美的特殊載體，其收藏價值既體現在物質層面的銅質、工藝、尺寸，更蘊含於精神層面的文化符號與歷史記憶。隨著古錢幣市場專業化程度提升，具有明確傳承脈絡、獨特藝術表現、稀缺存世量的清代花錢精品，將持續領跑錢幣收藏市場。
From 清代花钱版别与市场收藏价值分析
