© Christopher Li (CC BY-NC-SA)
© Christopher Li (CC BY-NC-SA)
1 Cash Kaiyuan Tongbao; Xing ND
| Lead | 2.78 g | 22 mm |
| Issuer | Uncertain Chinese kingdoms (Ten Kingdoms) |
|---|---|
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 917-971 |
| Value | 1 Cash |
| Currency | Cash (907-971) |
| Composition | Lead |
| Weight | 2.78 g |
| Diameter | 22 mm |
| Thickness | 0.1 mm |
| Shape | Round with a square hole |
| Technique | Cast |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-04 |
| Numista | N#303659 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 95% |
Reverse
One Chinese ideogram above.
Script: Chinese (traditional, regular script)
Lettering: 興
Translation:
Xing
Xingwangfu (mint)
Edge
Plain
Comment
These small lead pieces are imitating Kaiyuan Tongbao pieces from the Tang dynasty.These circulated widely, with the Chu authorities fixing the rate of 1 Lead Cash to 100 Bronze Cash. These were mostly restricted to circulating within towns, and were likely cast unofficially by merchants or the people.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it was used during a time of great cultural and economic change in China, known as the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period. This period saw the rise of new kingdoms and the fall of old ones, and the coinage of the time reflects this turmoil. The Kaiyuan Tongbao coin was issued by several different kingdoms, and its design and materials varied depending on the issuing kingdom. Despite its variations, the coin remained a widely accepted form of currency throughout China during this time.
