10 Cash - Shengsong Yuanbao; Running script; iron ND
| Iron | 12.21 g | 33 mm |
| Issuer | Empire of China |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Northern Song dynasty › Huizong (宋徽宗) (1100-1125) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 1101-1106 |
| Value | 10 Cash |
| Currency | Cash (621-1912) |
| Composition | Iron |
| Weight | 12.21 g |
| Diameter | 33 mm |
| Shape | Round with a square hole |
| Technique | Cast |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-03 |
| Numista | N#216402 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Blank (uniface).
Edge
Plain
Comment
Because the first era name of Huizong was too long (Jianzhongjingguo), the dynastic title Shengsong was used instead. And because small Chongning coins are scarce (2nd era of Huizong, 1102-1106), it is likely these Shengsong coins were produced into the Chongning era as well.While these are definitely larger and heavier than the 2 Cash pieces, they have similar dimensions to the earlier iron 10 Cash pieces that were later demonetized. This was likely an attempt to reintroduce larger coins, although the exact denomination of these pieces is unknown.
Interesting fact
The Shengsong (Yuanbao; Running script; iron) ND (1101-1106) coin from the Empire of China was made of iron, which was a unusual choice of material for coins at that time. Most coins during this period were made of copper, silver, or gold, but the use of iron was seen as a way to increase the coin's durability and longevity. Despite being made of a less valuable material, the coin was still widely accepted and used in trade, showing the importance of standardization and trust in the currency system.
