1 Cash - Zhiyuan Tongbao; Regular script; Yu; temple coin ND
| Bronze | 4.10 g | 23 mm |
| Issuer | Empire of China |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Yuan dynasty › Ukhaghatu Khan "Huizong" (元惠宗) (1333-1368) |
| Type | Token |
| Years | 1335-1340 |
| Value | 1 Cash |
| Currency | Cash (621-1912) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 4.10 g |
| Diameter | 23 mm |
| Shape | Round with a square hole |
| Technique | Cast |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-03 |
| Numista | N#221881 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
One Chinese ideogram above.
Lettering: 玉
Translation:
Yu
Jade
Edge
Plain
Comment
During the Yuan dynasty, there was a preference for paper money and silver ingots, making actual coins scarce or rare. However, the Yuan dynasty emperors supported Buddhism, and allowed temples to cast their own statues and artifacts. These temple coins were originally cast as offerings to Buddha, but due to their metal content, they still had an intrinsic value. While they were not official issues, these were widely accepted and used as small change in the markets.With these not being official issues, there are different diameters and weights possible. The average weights seem to be around 1/2 Cash, but smaller and larger weights exist.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it was used as a form of currency in ancient China during the Yuan Dynasty, specifically between 1335 and 1340. It was made of bronze and weighed 4.10 grams, which was a significant amount for a coin at that time. The coin's design featured the Chinese characters "Zhiyuan Tongbao" in regular script, which translates to "currency of the Zhiyuan era." The coin was also adorned with an image of a temple, which signified its use as a temple coin. Despite its small size, this coin played an important role in the economy of ancient China and is now a valuable collector's item for numismatists.