1 Cash - Xianfeng Tongbao; Boo-joo; with crescent ND
| Brass | - | 21 mm |
| Issuer | Empire of China |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Qing dynasty › Xianfeng (咸豐帝) (1850-1861) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 1851-1861 |
| Value | 1 Cash |
| Currency | Cash (621-1912) |
| Composition | Brass |
| Diameter | 21 mm |
| Shape | Round with a square hole |
| Technique | Cast |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-03 |
| Numista | N#226281 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Two Manchu words (read vertically) separated by the hole, all with crescent above.
Script: Mongolian / Manchu
Lettering: ᠪᠣᠣ ᠵᠣᠣ
Translation: Boo-joo
Edge
Plain
Comment
The exact location of the 'Boo-joo' mint is unknown, although the various types of reverse symbols indicate somewhere around Yunnan, Guizhou, or Sichuan. With many symbols also beeing found on Yunnan-fu or Dongchuan coins, it is possible this is a local mintmark from the Yunnan (similar to Boo-dung).Another Boo-joo was used under Tongzhi, although that mintmark includes a dot. It is possible the dot is correcting the spelling from the Xianfeng coins, or it is an entirely different mint.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Xianfeng Tongbao coin is that it was produced during a time of significant economic and political change in China. The Xianfeng Emperor, who ruled from 1850 to 1861, implemented a number of reforms aimed at modernizing China's economy and military, and the production of this coin was part of an effort to standardize and centralize the country's currency system. Despite these efforts, the coin's production was ultimately cut short due to the Second Opium War and the subsequent collapse of the Qing dynasty. Today, the Xianfeng Tongbao coin remains a valuable and sought-after collector's item, offering a glimpse into a pivotal moment in Chinese history.