1 Cash - Shaosheng (Tongbao; read standard; Fen; iron) ND (1094-1097) front 1 Cash - Shaosheng (Tongbao; read standard; Fen; iron) ND (1094-1097) back
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1 Cash - Shaosheng Tongbao; read standard; Fen; iron ND

 
Iron 7.16 g 24 mm
Description
Issuer
Empire of China
Emperor
Northern Song dynasty › Zhezong (宋哲宗) (1085-1100)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
1094-1097
Value
1 Cash
Currency
Cash (621-1912)
Composition
Iron
Weight
7.16 g
Diameter
24 mm
Shape
Round with a square hole
Technique
Cast
Orientation
Medal alignment ↑↑
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-03
References
Numista
N#215073
Rarity index
100%

Reverse

One Chinese ideogram above.

Lettering:

Translation:
Fen
Fenzhou (city)

Edge

Plain

Comment

Hartill says Su Shi designed some coins of Zhezong, but does not specify which era he designed coins for. Because Sima Guang would have designed the coins for the Yuanyou era, and because Su Shi was banished in 1094, it is likely Su Shi designed the coins for the Shaosheng era.

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about this coin is that it was made of iron, which was a unusual choice of material for coins at that time, as most coins were made of copper, silver or gold. The use of iron as a material for coins was likely a result of a shortage of other metals, and it was a common practice in ancient China to use iron for coins during times of economic hardship.