© Stephen Album Rare Coins
© Stephen Album Rare Coins
2 Cash - Chongzhen Tongbao; southern type; Gong ND
| Brass | 2.98 g | 25 mm |
| Issuer | Empire of China |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Ming dynasty › Chongzhen (崇祯帝) (1627-1644) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 1630-1644 |
| Value | 2 Cash |
| Currency | Cash (621-1912) |
| Composition | Brass |
| Weight | 2.98 g |
| Diameter | 25 mm |
| Shape | Round with a square hole |
| Technique | Cast |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-04 |
| Numista | N#222784 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
One Chinese ideogram above and one below.
Script: Chinese (traditional, regular script)
Lettering:
工
二
Translation:
Gong Er
Ministry of Works (mint) / 2 Cash
Edge
Plain
Comment
Hartill suggests the larger, heavier coins (around 26 millimetres and weighing 1.3 Qian) were the first 1 Cash pieces produced. By 1630, coins minted in the north weighted 1.0 Qian and coins minted in the south weighed 8 Fen or less.The Northern types and the Southern types are differenciated by the left part of Zhen.
- Northern types: 礻
- Southern types: 示
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it was issued during the reign of the Chongzhen Emperor, who was the last emperor of the Ming dynasty. He ruled from 1627 to 1644, and his reign was marked by political instability, economic difficulties, and foreign invasions. Despite these challenges, the Chongzhen Emperor made efforts to reform the government and military, and his reign saw the introduction of new currency, such as this brass coin, to address the empire's financial needs.
