1 Cash - Yuanyou Tongbao; Running script; iron ND
| Iron | 6.98 g | 24 mm |
| Issuer | Empire of China |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Northern Song dynasty › Zhezong (宋哲宗) (1085-1100) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 1086-1093 |
| Value | 1 Cash |
| Currency | Cash (621-1912) |
| Composition | Iron |
| Weight | 6.98 g |
| Diameter | 24 mm |
| Shape | Round with a square hole |
| Technique | Cast |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-03 |
| Numista | N#214778 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 93% |
Reverse
Blank (uniface).
Edge
Plain
Comment
Hartill says Sima Guang designed some coins of Zhezong, but does not specify which era he designed coins for. Because Sima Guang died in 1086, he could of only designed coins for the Yuanyou era.In 1085, fourteen of the old mints were closed.
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 currency more accessible to the general population. This decision was taken by the government of the Empire of China during the reign of Emperor Zhezong, who ruled from 1086 to 1100. The iron coins were minted in large quantities and were widely used in trade and commerce. Despite their durability, the iron coins were not as popular as coins made of other metals and were eventually phased out in favor of coins made of more valuable materials.