© gros (CC BY-NC-SA)
© gros (CC BY-NC-SA)
1 Cash - Xianfeng Tongbao; Boo-chiowan; zinc ND
| Zinc | 4.17 g | 24 mm |
| Issuer | Empire of China |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Qing dynasty › Xianfeng (咸豐帝) (1850-1861) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 1854-1857 |
| Value | 1 Cash |
| Currency | Cash (621-1912) |
| Composition | Zinc |
| Weight | 4.17 g |
| Diameter | 24 mm |
| Shape | Round with a square hole |
| Technique | Cast |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-04 |
| Numista | N#225778 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 95% |
Reverse
Two Manchu words (read vertically) separated by the hole.
Script: Mongolian / Manchu
Lettering: ᠪᠣᠣ ᠴᡳᠣᠸᠠᠨ
Translation: Boo-chiowan
Edge
Plain
Comment
These were first introduced in 1854.The theory for these zinc/lead coins is that, if iron is an acceptable substitute for bronze, zinc must be an acceptable substitute for iron. Original trials showed pure zinc coins were brittle and would not last long, but after experimenting with the alloy, 80% brittle zinc and 20% soft lead proved to be suitable for the intended purposes.
DocTongHead
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Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Xianfeng Tongbao zinc coin is that it was produced during a time of significant economic and political change in China. The Xianfeng Emperor ruled from 1850 to 1861, and during his reign, the country was facing a number of challenges, including internal strife, foreign aggression, and economic instability. Despite these challenges, the government continued to produce coins, including the Xianfeng Tongbao zinc coin, which was used as a means of exchange and circulation. This coin is a tangible reminder of the complex history of China during this time period.
