Vintage 1624 Korea MaPae (Cheongye 4yr (天啓- 4년 ) (尚瑞院 宿字號一馬牌)

Description

Vintage 1624 Korea MaPae (Cheongye 4yr (天啓- 4년 ) (尚瑞院 宿字號一馬牌)
Korean Mapae Medallions. These medallions were used by special officials of the Korean central government during the Josean Dynasty. The medallions were used by the Korean King’s hand-picked officials that primarily prosecuted corrupt officials in the provinces. These officials were given a medal, the Mapae, that identified their special status as the King’s appointed secret prosecutor and gave them the right to conscript horses for transportation to the provinces.
Officials with Mapae were allowed to have access to saddle horses kept at government-run post stations upon presentation of their Mapae medal. The bearer of the medal was entitled to use the number of horses carved on the badge.
This Requisition Tokens in total, measuring about 3 .5”X 4" ( W & L O.D )  in diameter, 4mm ( Thickness )
198 Gram ( Weight )
and made from brass. They show a lot of wear and look old, but they are probably reproductions made long ago.