2925

CHINA: LOT of 9 tally sticks

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / Chinese Coins - Group Lots Start Price:140.00 USD Estimated At:150.00 - 250.00 USD
CHINA: LOT of 9 tally sticks
SOLD
325.00USD+ (65.00) buyer's premium + applicable fees & taxes.
This item SOLD at 2022 Jan 23 @ 14:47UTC-8 : PST/AKDT
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CHINA: LOT of 9 tally sticks, long rectangular tokens, bamboo or wood (8) and bone (1), a very interesting group, average quality condition, retail value $250, lot of 9 tokens. From the late 1800's to the turbulent early years of the Republic, there was a shortage of official government-issued currency in many parts of China. Private banks and large businesses subsequently began to issue their own "money". One form of local currency that was particular to Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shandong was made from bamboo. Variously known as "bamboo tallies", "bamboo tokens" or "bamboo money", this type of money was commonly used in stores, restaurants, teahouses, and even brothels, even though it lacks the intrinsic value of gold, silver or bronze coins and was not backed by anything other people's trust in the establishment that issued it.