Lot 889

Borneo, He Shun Gongsi, lead-tin cash (4.68 g.), cf. Zeno-247341, Yih & de Kreek-20 (NC 1993, pp. 171-195), Chinese legend “he shun gong si” (fo sjoen kong si in Hakka) // imitative Manchu inscriptions. He Shun Gongsi was established in 1776 when 14 smaller mining societies (gongsi) united into one federation. It became one of the largest gongsi republics and dominated gold mining in the Montrado region. Its success brought it into conflict with the Dutch, who waged two wars against it in 1822-24 and 1850-54, culminating in its surrender and dissolution in July 1854. Subsequently, most coins issued by the gongsi were melted down. VF, RR