A rock crystal snuff bottle in the form of a coin. 1780-1850. Photo Bonhams

Of flattened circular shape with a continuous ribbed and fluted edge, flat lip and circular recessed foot, each side carved in imitation of an "eight real" silver coin, the front with a profile portrait, the verso a coat of arms. 2in (5.2cm)high. Sold for US$2,750 

水晶刻西班牙錢幣鼻煙壺

Provenance: : Asiantiques, 1995

Several rock crystal and glass Spanish coin form bottles have come to auction in recent years. In Chinese Snuff Bottles from the Collection of George and Mary Bloch, p. 97, Robert Kleiner notes the use of Spanish currency in Chinese ports during the height of the China trade. See also Hugh Moss Chinese snuff bottles of the silica or quartz group, p. 75.

Bonhams. Fine Chinese Snuff Bottles, 20 Mar 2012, New York www.bonhams.com