1 Cash - Huangsong (Tongbao; Regular script) ND (1039-1054) front 1 Cash - Huangsong (Tongbao; Regular script) ND (1039-1054) back
1 Cash - Huangsong (Tongbao; Regular script) ND (1039-1054) photo
© Cuthwellis

1 Cash - Huangsong Tongbao; Regular script ND

 
Bronze 3.89 g 25 mm
Description
Issuer
Empire of China
Emperor
Northern Song dynasty › Renzong (宋仁宗) (1022-1063)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
1039-1054
Value
1 Cash
Currency
Cash (621-1912)
Composition
Bronze
Weight
3.89 g
Diameter
25 mm
Thickness
1.0 mm
Shape
Round with a square hole
Technique
Cast
Orientation
Medal alignment ↑↑
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-04
References
Numista
N#45077
Rarity index
38%

Reverse

Blank (uniface).

Edge

Plain

Comment

Huangsong is not actually an era name, but rather a dynastic title. At the time, the era name was Baoyuan (1039-1040); however, they went with Huangsong to avoid the repeation of 'Bao' (Bao Yuan Tong Bao), which would be considered stylistically incorrect.

While the Baoyuan era lasted only a year, these coins are very common, and no regular-sized coins are known from the next three eras (Kangding, Qingli, and Huangyou), meaning these coins were likely produced throught all four of these eras.

The dynastic title Huangsong was used again in the Southern Song dynasty under Lizong (1224-1264), although those coins are Yuanbaos rather than Tongbaos.

An example with broad rims: