Pictorial Charm

A coin-like charm, which could have circulated; probably unofficial issue- a commemorative, normal coin sized; not from the period it purports to be from. (Larson, David) Due to its strong Daoist connotations, imitations were made of this currency in later periods to be used in ritual contexts or for personal ornamentation. This charm/coin was not intended to be a forgery as no obvious efforts were made to ensure the imitation closely resembled the original. (Li, Min)

The snake and the turtle combination represent the star constellation of "northern direction", later personified as a supreme Daoist deity named Zhenwu Dadi. He is depicted as a powerful figure with long, loosened hair and is holding a sword and stepping on a turtle and a snake (Ma, 1992, 172-173). The symbols on the reverse imply the presence of the deity. (Li Min)

Round, square hole in centre, inner and outer rims on both sides, four Chinese characters in seal-script on obverse, design on reverse; snake top, turtle bottom, sword right, constellation left on reverse.