© Calgary Coin
© Calgary Coin
1 Cash - Huichang Kaiyuan Tongbao; with Chang ND
841 year| Bronze | 3.29 g | 25 mm |
| Issuer | Empire of China |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Tang dynasty › Wuzong (唐武宗) (840-846) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 841 |
| Value | 1 Cash |
| Currency | Cash (621-1912) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 3.29 g |
| Diameter | 25 mm |
| Shape | Round with a square hole |
| Technique | Cast |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-04 |
| Numista | N#211305 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 86% |
Reverse
One Chinese ideogram above.
Script: Chinese (traditional, regular script)
Lettering: 昌
Translation:
Chang
Huichang (era of Wuzong, 841-846)
Edge
Plain
Comment
These coins are said to be struck from the beginning of Huichang's era in 841 (used from the melted materials of destroyed Buddhist monasteries), to late 841, when the 'Chang' was to be replaced by a mintmark.The only confirmed mint is Yangzhou (they were the original ones to get permission to cast these), but seeing how common these are, there are two possibilities: 1) 'Chang' was used posthumously as a mintmark for Yangzhou, which does not have its own type with a mintmark, or 2) the 'Chang' was adopted by other mints. The latter seems quite likely, where as the former is still possible (while the other mints changed mintmarks, Yangzhou could have retained the 'Chang').
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Standard circulation coin 1 Cash - Huichang (Kaiyuan Tongbao; with Chang) ND (841) from Empire of China made of Bronze weighing 3.29 g is that it was used as a form of currency during the Tang Dynasty, which was a time of significant economic growth and cultural achievement in China. The coin's design features the Chinese character "Chang" on one side and a stylized floral pattern on the other, symbolizing the dynasty's emphasis on prosperity and good fortune.
