© Stephen Album Rare Coins
© Stephen Album Rare Coins
1 Heavy Cash Kaiyuan Tongbao imitation ND
| Bronze | 10.12 g | 24 mm |
| Issuer | Semirechye |
|---|---|
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 701-850 |
| Value | 1 Heavy Cash = 3 Cash |
| Currency | Cash (601-801) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 10.12 g |
| Diameter | 24 mm |
| Thickness | 3.4 mm |
| Shape | Round with a round hole |
| Orientation | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-04 |
| Numista | N#197000 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Four Chinese ideograms read top to bottom, right to left.
Lettering:
開
寶 通
元
Translation:
Kai Yuan Tong Bao
Inaugural currency
Designer: Ouyang Xun
Edge
Plain
Comment
The Semirechye imitations are often said to have been struck until the end of the 8th century (801); however, with there being an imitation of a Huichang piece (with its original counterpart cast in 841), these were likely struck until at least the mid-9th century.Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it is an imitation of the Kaiyuan Tongbao, which was a popular Chinese coin during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE). The Kaiyuan Tongbao was known for its high quality and standardized design, and it was widely used for trade and commerce. The fact that this coin from Semirechye is an imitation of the Kaiyuan Tongbao suggests that it was likely used for similar purposes, such as facilitating trade and commerce in the region.