1 Cash - Chunxi Yuanbao; Regular script; Shu Tong; iron ND
| Iron | - | 24 mm |
| Issuer | Empire of China |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Southern Song dynasty › Xiaozong (宋孝宗) (1162-1189) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 1178-1179 |
| Value | 1 Cash |
| Currency | Cash (621-1912) |
| Composition | Iron |
| Diameter | 24 mm |
| Shape | Round with a square hole |
| Technique | Cast |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-03 |
| Numista | N#217829 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
One Chinese ideogram above and one below.
Script: Chinese (traditional, regular script)
Lettering:
舒
同
Translation:
Shu / Tong
Shuzhou (city) / Tong'an (mint)
Edge
Plain
Comment
In 1180, numbers were added to the reverses to indicate the year of issue (which was said to reduce the amount of illegal casting). Presumably, coins without years were cast before the numbers were added.The Tong'an Mint was closed between 1174 and 1178.
Interesting fact
The iron used to mint this coin was likely obtained through a process known as "smelting," where iron ore was heated to high temperatures in the presence of a reducing agent, such as carbon, to extract the metal. This process was an important technological advancement in ancient China, as it allowed for the mass production of iron tools, weapons, and coins. In fact, the use of iron currency became so widespread during the Song Dynasty (960-1279 CE) that it was used as a standard unit of exchange for taxes and other financial transactions.