1 Cash - Anonymous Kaiyuan Tongbao; Xiang; with crescent ND
| Bronze | 3.51 g | 25 mm |
| Issuer | Empire of China |
|---|---|
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 841-907 |
| Value | 1 Cash |
| Currency | Cash (621-1912) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 3.51 g |
| Diameter | 25 mm |
| Thickness | 1.3 mm |
| Shape | Round with a square hole |
| Technique | Cast |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-03 |
| Numista | N#211799 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
One Chinese ideogram to the right and crescent above.
Script: Chinese (traditional, regular script)
Lettering: 襄
Translation: Xiang
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 symbol of Islam. This is significant because it indicates that the Empire of China, which was predominantly Buddhist, had trade and cultural exchange with Islamic regions during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE). The inclusion of Islamic symbols on Chinese coins during this period suggests that there was a level of religious tolerance and cultural exchange between the two civilizations.
