1 Cash - Chongzhen (Tongbao; northern type; with line) ND (1630-1644) front 1 Cash - Chongzhen (Tongbao; northern type; with line) ND (1630-1644) back
no image

1 Cash - Chongzhen Tongbao; northern type; with line 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#222728
Rarity index
97%

Reverse

Vertical line below.

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; with line) 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 line on the reverse side, which was used to help prevent counterfeiting.