1 Cash - Chongzhen (Tongbao; northern type; Gong with dot) ND (1630-1644) front 1 Cash - Chongzhen (Tongbao; northern type; Gong with dot) ND (1630-1644) back
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1 Cash - Chongzhen Tongbao; northern type; Gong with dot 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#222618
Rarity index
100%

Reverse

One Chinese ideogram below and dot above.

Script: Chinese (traditional, regular script)

Lettering:

Translation:
Gong
Ministry of Works (mint)

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; Gong with dot) ND (1630-1644) from Empire of China made of Brass is that it was used as a form of currency during the Chongzhen era of the Ming dynasty, which was a time of great economic and cultural growth in China. The coin's design, featuring a gong with a dot in the center, was meant to symbolize the unity and harmony of the people under the rule of the Ming dynasty. Additionally, the use of brass as the material for the coin was a significant departure from the traditional use of copper, and it reflects the government's effort to introduce new materials and technologies into the currency system.