1 Cash - Anonymous (Kaiyuan Tongbao; Hong; with crescent) ND (841-907) front 1 Cash - Anonymous (Kaiyuan Tongbao; Hong; with crescent) ND (841-907) back
1 Cash - Anonymous (Kaiyuan Tongbao; Hong; with crescent) ND (841-907) photo
© Kölner Münzkabinett Tyll Kroha Nachfolger UG

1 Cash - Anonymous Kaiyuan Tongbao; Hong; with crescent ND

 
Bronze 3.89 g 25 mm
Description
Issuer
Empire of China
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
841-907
Value
1 Cash
Currency
Cash (621-1912)
Composition
Bronze
Weight
3.89 g
Diameter
25 mm
Thickness
1.3 mm
Shape
Round with a square hole
Technique
Cast
Orientation
Medal alignment ↑↑
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-04
References
Numista
N#211782
Rarity index
97%

Reverse

One Chinese ideogram at various locations and crescent above.

Script: Chinese (traditional, regular script)

Lettering:

Translation: Hong

Edge

Plain

Comment

In late 841, it was decided to replace the 'Chang' of Huichang coins with actual mintmarks. These mintmarks are often difficult to read due to being hand-stamped into the moulds, resulting in a higher relief more prone to wear.

Some, like Calgary Coins, assume the mintmark-less Kaiyuan pieces were not minted after 841, and that the mintmarked pieces were continued until the end of the Tang dynasty.

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about this coin is that it features a crescent shape on one side, which is a unique design element for a Chinese coin. The crescent shape is believed to represent the Islamic influence on the Tang Dynasty, which ruled China during the time this coin was minted. This coin is a rare example of how cultural exchange and religious diversity were reflected in the currency of ancient China.