1 Cash - Chongzhen (Tongbao; northern type; Jia - type 1) ND (1630-1644) front 1 Cash - Chongzhen (Tongbao; northern type; Jia - type 1) ND (1630-1644) back
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1 Cash - Chongzhen Tongbao; northern type; Jia - type 1 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#222610
Rarity index
100%

Reverse

One Chinese ideogram above.

Script: Chinese (traditional, regular script)

Lettering:

Translation:
Jia
Jiazhou (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; Jia - type 1) 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 features a unique blend of traditional Chinese design elements, such as the square hole in the center, and Western-style imagery, such as the depiction of a dragon on the reverse side. This blend of styles reflects the cultural exchange and influence that was taking place between China and Europe during this time period. Additionally, the use of brass as the material for the coin was a deliberate choice made by the government to reduce the cost of production, as brass was a less expensive alternative to other metals like silver or gold. This coin is a fascinating example of the complex cultural and economic dynamics at play during this time in Chinese history.