1 Cash - Chunxi (Yuanbao; Seal script; Chun; with year; iron) 7-11 (1180-1184) front 1 Cash - Chunxi (Yuanbao; Seal script; Chun; with year; iron) 7-11 (1180-1184) back
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1 Cash - Chunxi Yuanbao; Seal script; Chun; with year; iron

 
Iron - 24 mm
Description
Issuer
Empire of China
Emperor
Southern Song dynasty › Xiaozong (宋孝宗) (1162-1189)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
7-11 (1180-1184)
Calendar
Chinese - Chunxi era
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
References
Numista
N#217003
Rarity index
100%

Reverse

One Chinese ideogram above and at least one below.

Script: Chinese (traditional, regular script)

Lettering:

Translation:
Chun / Jiu
Qichun (mint) / Year 9

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.

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about this coin is that it was made of iron, which was a unusual choice of material for coins at that time, as most coins were made of copper, silver or gold. The use of iron as a material for coins was likely a result of a shortage of other metals, and it was a common practice during the Song Dynasty (960-1279) in China.