1 Cash - Songyuan (Tongbao; with crescent) ND (960-976) front 1 Cash - Songyuan (Tongbao; with crescent) ND (960-976) back
1 Cash - Songyuan (Tongbao; with crescent) ND (960-976) photo
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1 Cash - Songyuan Tongbao; with crescent ND

 
Bronze 3.42 g 24 mm
Description
Issuer
Empire of China
Emperor
Northern Song dynasty › Taizu (宋太祖) (960-976)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
960-976
Value
1 Cash
Currency
Cash (621-1912)
Composition
Bronze
Weight
3.42 g
Diameter
24 mm
Thickness
1.3 mm
Shape
Round with a square hole
Technique
Cast
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-04
References
Numista
N#135217
Rarity index
85%

Reverse

One crescent at various locations.

Edge

Plain

Comment

Rather than using era names, Taizu used the dynastic title Songyuan on these pieces to signify the beginning of the Song dynasty.

The exact mints of these earliest Song pieces are uncertain, as nothing this early appear in "List of Song Dynasty Mints for Iron & Tin Alloy Cash (宋代铁钱监、夹锡钱监一览表)". It is possible the mints for these pieces were all mints from previous dynasties.

Two main types exist:
Type 1) Small type (around 23 millimetres)
Type 2) Large type (around 25 millimetres)

DocYuanShoulders

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about the Standard circulation coin 1 Cash - Songyuan (Tongbao; with crescent) ND (960-976) from Empire of China made of Bronze weighing 3.42 g is that it was used as a form of currency during the Northern Song dynasty, which was a time of great economic growth and cultural achievement in China. The coin's design, featuring a crescent moon and stars, symbolized the dynasty's connection to the heavens and the emperor's role as the "Son of Heaven." Despite its small size and relatively low value, this coin played an important role in facilitating trade and commerce during this period.