2021 Solomon Islands Pirate Queens Ching Shih 1oz Silver Coin NGC MS 70

The second issue of the new Series Pirate Queens is dedicated to the Chinese pirate Ching Shih – one of the most notorious and deadly pirates of her time. The motive of the Premium Bullion Coin from the Royal Australian Mint features the pirate ship of Ching Shih with hoisted flag. A majestic phoenix draws a circle around the ship with its tail. The inscription “CHING SHIH” and the weight and fineness complete the design. The reverse shows the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, the denomination and the year of issue.

Ching Shih (born Shih Yang 1775–1844), was a Chinese pirate leader who terrorized the China Seas during the Jiaqing Emperor period of the Qing dynasty in the early 19th century. She commanded over 1800 junks (traditional Chinese sailing ships) manned by 60,000 to 80,000 pirates – men, women, and occasionally children. Her ships entered into conflict with several major powers, such as the East India Company, the Portuguese Empire, and the Qing government.

In January 1808, the Chinese government tried to destroy her fleet in a series of fierce battles. However, Ching Shih inflicted several defeats on the Chinese navy, capturing and commandeering several of their ships. The government had to revert to using fishing vessels for battle. At the same time that the government was attacking her, Ching Shih faced a larger threat in the form of other pirate fleets.

In September and November 1809, Ching Shih and Cheung Po Tsai fleet suffered a series of defeats at the hands of the Portuguese Navy at the Battle of the Tiger’s Mouth, eventually coming to the realization there was no way they would be able to hold out forever. In their final battle at Chek Lap Kok in 1810, they surrendered to the Portuguese Navy on 21 January and later accepted an amnesty offered by the Qing Imperial government to all pirates who agreed to surrender, ending their career and allowed to keep the loot that same year.

The Pirate Queens – Ching Shih Premium Bullion Coin in Silver is limited to only 10,000 pieces worldwide.