1 Cash (Kaiyuan Tongbao imitation; with repeated legend) ND (701-850) front 1 Cash (Kaiyuan Tongbao imitation; with repeated legend) ND (701-850) back
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1 Cash Kaiyuan Tongbao imitation; with repeated legend ND

 
Bronze 5.33 g 21 mm
Description
Issuer
Semirechye
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
701-850
Value
1 Cash
Currency
Cash (601-801)
Composition
Bronze
Weight
5.33 g
Diameter
21 mm
Shape
Round with a round hole
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-03
References
Numista
N#198408
Rarity index
100%

Reverse

Four Chinese ideograms read top to bottom, right to left.

Lettering:
 開
寶 通
 元

Translation:
Kai Yuan Tong Bao
Inaugural currency

Designer: Ouyang Xun

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.

Chinese cash coins with round holes are imitations from Semirechye, and the weight of these pieces varies from 4.1 to 6.0 grams.

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.