1 Cash - Chongzhen (Tongbao; northern type; with Ju) ND (1630-1644) front 1 Cash - Chongzhen (Tongbao; northern type; with Ju) ND (1630-1644) back
1 Cash - Chongzhen (Tongbao; northern type; with Ju) ND (1630-1644) photo
© Stephen Album Rare Coins

1 Cash - Chongzhen Tongbao; northern type; with Ju 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
2024-10-04
References
Numista
N#222769
Rarity index
95%

Reverse

One Chinese ideogram above.

Script: Chinese (traditional, regular script)

Lettering:

Translation:
Ju
Office

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 differentiated 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; with Ju) ND (1630-1644) from Empire of China made of Brass is that it was used as a form of currency during a time of great economic change in China. The Chongzhen era saw the introduction of a new monetary system, which included the use of copper coins like this one, and the abolition of the traditional use of cowry shells as currency. This coin was also unique in that it featured a square hole in the center, which was used to string multiple coins together for ease of use.