© Stephen Album Rare Coins
© Stephen Album Rare Coins
10 Cash - Hongwu Tongbao; with Shi Yi Liang ND
| Bronze | 35.45 g | 46 mm |
| 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 |
| Weight | 35.45 g |
| Diameter | 46 mm |
| Shape | Round with a square hole |
| Technique | Cast |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-04 |
| Numista | N#222109 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Two Chinese ideograms to the right and value above.
Script: Chinese (traditional, regular script)
Lettering:
十
一
兩
Translation:
Shi / Yi Liang
10 Cash / 1 Liang (weight of 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 this coin is that it was produced during the reign of Emperor Hongwu, the founder of the Ming dynasty, who ruled China from 1368 to 1393. The coin features the inscription "Tongbao" (通寶) which means "circulating treasure" and was used as a standard unit of currency during that time. Additionally, the coin bears the name of the mint master Shi Yi Liang, indicating that it was produced at a specific mint location. The use of bronze as the material for the coin was also a common practice during this period in Chinese history.
