Silver Coins of Chinese Outlaws: Flowery Monk

Previously, we took a look at the first offering in the Outlaws of the Marshes silver coin collection issued by the People's Bank of China. Today, we will turn our attention to another illustrious character. He's none other than the Flowery Monk, perhaps, the most complex character in the Water Margin Classic.

If Lin Chong is larger than life, the Flowery Monk is a giant in every sense of the word. At 8 feet tall, he's a tower of extraordinary strength. Previously known as Lu Da, the Flowery Monk was a garrison major who's stationed in Weizhou. One fateful day, he meets Shi Jin and they proceed to an inn for a few rounds of drinks where they come across Jin Cuilian, a singer in great distress. Unable to see such a frail lady being bullied by the "Lord of the West," the Flowery Monk ends up killing him. To escape, he becomes a monk at Mount Wutai, taking up the name Lu Zhishen, meaning "sagacious." Actually, he's far from being sagacious. As he refused to live the life of a monk, he was called the Flowery Monk, also because he has tattoos of flowers on his body.

On the obverse of the Flowery Monk silver coin, he is seen uprooting a willow tree. With his monk habit tied to his waist, he is an image of great strength. Slightly above his head is the denomination "10 Yuan" and him are the words "Flowery Monk Lu Da." The reverse is exactly the same as the Lin Chong silver coin. After this superhuman feat, he meets Lin Chong, and they become sworn brothers. In the realm of 36 Heavenly Spirits, the Flowery Monk is ranked 13th.

While the Flowery Monk is a fascinating character, it's certainly more fascinating that you can receive instant cash for silver when you sell silver. Just talk to a silver buyer today and find out more.