1 Cash - Chongzhen (Tongbao; northern type; Gui) ND (1630-1644) front 1 Cash - Chongzhen (Tongbao; northern type; Gui) ND (1630-1644) back
1 Cash - Chongzhen (Tongbao; northern type; Gui) ND (1630-1644) photo
© TuckHard (CC BY)

1 Cash - Chongzhen Tongbao; northern type; Gui ND

 
Brass 2.65 g 24.5 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
Weight
2.65 g
Diameter
24.5 mm
Shape
Round with a square hole
Technique
Cast
Orientation
Medal alignment ↑↑
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-04
References
Numista
N#222764
Rarity index
93%

Reverse

One Chinese ideogram above.

Script: Chinese (traditional, regular script)

Lettering:

Translation:
Gui
Guizhou (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 this coin is that it was produced during the reign of the Chongzhen Emperor, who was the last emperor of the Ming dynasty. He ruled from 1627 to 1644, and his reign was marked by political instability, economic difficulties, and foreign invasions. Despite these challenges, the Chongzhen Emperor made efforts to reform the government and military, and he also promoted cultural and artistic development. This coin, which was produced during his reign, is a tangible reminder of that turbulent period in Chinese history.