1 Cash (Kaiyuan Tongbao imitation; with Chang) ND (841-850) front 1 Cash (Kaiyuan Tongbao imitation; with Chang) ND (841-850) back
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1 Cash Kaiyuan Tongbao imitation; with Chang ND

 
Bronze 2.50 g 22 mm
Description
Issuer
Semirechye
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
841-850
Value
1 Cash
Currency
Cash (601-801)
Composition
Bronze
Weight
2.50 g
Diameter
22 mm
Shape
Round with a square hole
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-03
References
Numista
N#197091
Rarity index
100%

Reverse

One Chinese ideogram above.

Lettering:

Translation:
Chang
Huichang (era of Wuzong, 841-846)

Edge

Plain

Comment

The Semirechye imitations are often said to have been struck until the end of the 8th century (801); however, with there being an imitation of a Huichang piece (with its original counterpart cast in 841), these were likely struck until at least the mid-9th century.

These examples are distinguishable from the originals because they have local vairiations of the legends and are typically rather crude.

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about this coin is that it is an imitation of the Kaiyuan Tongbao, which was a popular coin during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE) in China. The Kaiyuan Tongbao was known for its high quality and standardized design, and it was widely used for trade and commerce. The fact that this coin from Semirechye (a region in modern-day Kazakhstan) is an imitation of the Kaiyuan Tongbao suggests that there was a strong influence from Chinese culture and trade in the region during that time period.