10 Cash - Hongwu (Tongbao; Bei Ping) ND (1368-1393) front 10 Cash - Hongwu (Tongbao; Bei Ping) ND (1368-1393) back
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10 Cash - Hongwu Tongbao; Bei Ping ND

 
Bronze - 46 mm
Description
Issuer
Empire of China
Emperor
Ming dynasty › Hongwu (明太祖) (1368-1398)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
1368-1393
Value
10 Cash
Currency
Cash (621-1912)
Composition
Bronze
Diameter
46 mm
Shape
Round with a square hole
Technique
Cast
Orientation
Medal alignment ↑↑
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-03
References
Numista
N#222112
Rarity index
100%

Reverse

Two Chinese ideograms above and value to the right.

Script: Chinese (traditional, regular script)

Lettering:


 十

Translation:
Bei Ping / Shi
Beiping (mint) / 10 Cash

Edge

Plain

Comment

Casting of Hongwu coins started in 1368, but was not continuous. Large coins were discontinued in 1371, with all minting being suspended from 1375 to 1376, then again from 1387 to 1389 (that time due to a copper shortage). Minting was finally stopped again in 1393 in favour of paper money.

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about the Standard circulation coin 10 Cash - Hongwu (Tongbao; Bei Ping) ND (1368-1393) from Empire of China made of Bronze is that it was used as a form of currency during the Hongwu Emperor's reign, who was the founder of the Ming dynasty. The coin features a square hole in the center, which was used to string multiple coins together for ease of use in trade and commerce. Additionally, the coin's design features a unique blend of Chinese characters and imagery, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the time period.