1 Cash - Shaoxi (Yuanbao; Chun; with year; iron) 2-5 (1191-1194) front 1 Cash - Shaoxi (Yuanbao; Chun; with year; iron) 2-5 (1191-1194) back
1 Cash - Shaoxi (Yuanbao; Chun; with year; iron) 2-5 (1191-1194) photo
© ollisaarinen (CC BY)

1 Cash - Shaoxi Yuanbao; Chun; with year; iron

 
Iron 4.42 g 25 mm
Description
Issuer
Empire of China
Emperor
Southern Song dynasty › Guangzong (宋光宗) (1189-1194)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
2-5 (1191-1194)
Calendar
Chinese - Shaoxi era
Value
1 Cash
Currency
Cash (621-1912)
Composition
Iron
Weight
4.42 g
Diameter
25 mm
Thickness
2.2 mm
Shape
Round with a square hole
Technique
Cast
Orientation
Medal alignment ↑↑
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-04
References
Numista
N#140833
Rarity index
94%

Reverse

One Chinese ideogram above and one below.

Script: Chinese (traditional, regular script)

Lettering:

Translation:
Chun / Wu
Qichun (mint) / Year 5

Edge

Plain

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 in coinage was seen as a way to reduce the cost of production and make the currency more accessible to the general population. This decision was taken by the government of the Empire of China during the reign of Emperor Guang Zhao, who ruled from 1189 to 1194.