1 Cash (Hongwu Tongbao) ND (1488-1505) front 1 Cash (Hongwu Tongbao) ND (1488-1505) back
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1 Cash Hongwu Tongbao ND

 
Bronze 5.83 g 24 mm
Description
Issuer
Yunnan-Guizhou tribes (Empire of China)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
1488-1505
Value
1 Cash
Currency
Cash (1488-1505)
Composition
Bronze
Weight
5.83 g
Diameter
24 mm
Shape
Round with a square hole
Technique
Cast
Orientation
Medal alignment ↑↑
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-03
References
Numista
N#319556
Rarity index
100%

Reverse

Blank (uniface).

Edge

Plain

Comment

These coins are often said to be issues of the Dali Kingdom; however, they are more likely to be issues of the tribal people in the Yunnan-Guizhou area, who were granted the rights to cast their own coins by the Ming dynasty. These coins are often very thick and heavy.

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about this coin is that it was used as a form of currency during the Hongwu period of the Ming dynasty, which was a time of great economic growth and cultural flourishing in China. The coin's design features a square hole in the center, which was used to string multiple coins together for ease of use in trade and commerce. Additionally, the coin's bronze material and relatively small weight made it a practical and durable form of currency for everyday transactions.