1 Cash - Chongzhen (Tongbao; northern type; Chong with Yi Qian and crescent) ND (1630-1644) front 1 Cash - Chongzhen (Tongbao; northern type; Chong with Yi Qian and crescent) ND (1630-1644) back
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1 Cash - Chongzhen Tongbao; northern type; Chong with Yi Qian and crescent ND

 
Brass - 24 mm
Description
Issuer
Empire of China
Emperor
Ming dynasty › Chongzhen (崇祯帝) (1627-1644)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
1630-1644
Value
1 Cash
Currency
Cash (621-1912)
Composition
Brass
Diameter
24 mm
Shape
Round with a square hole
Technique
Cast
Orientation
Medal alignment ↑↑
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-03
References
Numista
N#222596
Rarity index
97%

Reverse

One Chinese ideogram above, two to the right (one abbreviated), and crescent below.

Script: Chinese (traditional, regular script)

Lettering:

 一
 力

Translation:
Chong / Yi Qian
Chongqing-fu (mint) / 1 Qian (weight of 1 Cash)

Edge

Plain

Comment

Hartill suggests the larger, heavier coins (around 26 millimetres and weighing 1.3 Qian) were the first 1 Cash pieces produced. By 1630, coins minted in the north weighted 1.0 Qian and coins minted in the south weighed 8 Fen or less.

The Northern types and the Southern types are differenciated by the left part of Zhen.
  • Northern types: 礻
  • Southern types: 示

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about the Standard circulation coin 1 Cash - Chongzhen (Tongbao; northern type; Chong with Yi Qian and crescent) ND (1630-1644) from Empire of China made of Brass is that it was used as a form of currency during the Chongzhen era, which was a time of great economic and cultural growth in China. The coin's design features a crescent moon and a Chinese character that represents "Chong," which means "loyal" or "faithful." This coin was widely used in trade and commerce throughout the empire, and its design has become a symbol of Chinese culture and history.