2 Cash - Chunxi (Tongbao; Tong; with year; read clockwise; iron) 15-16 (1188-1189) front 2 Cash - Chunxi (Tongbao; Tong; with year; read clockwise; iron) 15-16 (1188-1189) back
2 Cash - Chunxi (Tongbao; Tong; with year; read clockwise; iron) 15-16 (1188-1189) photo
© ollisaarinen (CC BY)

2 Cash - Chunxi Tongbao; Tong; with year; read clockwise; iron

 
Iron 6.36 g 28 mm
Description
Issuer
Empire of China
Emperor
Southern Song dynasty › Xiaozong (宋孝宗) (1162-1189)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
15-16 (1188-1189)
Calendar
Chinese - Chunxi era
Value
2 Cash
Currency
Cash (621-1912)
Composition
Iron
Weight
6.36 g
Diameter
28 mm
Thickness
2.3 mm
Shape
Round with a square hole
Technique
Cast
Orientation
Medal alignment ↑↑
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-04
References
Numista
N#140785
Rarity index
95%

Reverse

One Chinese ideogram above and two below.

Script: Chinese (traditional, regular script)

Lettering:

十五

Translation:
Tong / Shi Wu
Tong'an (mint) / Year 15

Edge

Plain

Comment

In 1180, numbers were added to the reverses to indicate the year of issue (which was said to reduce the amount of illegal casting). Presumably, coins without years were cast before the numbers were added.

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about this coin is that it was made of iron, which was a unusual material for coins at that time, as most coins were made of copper, silver or gold. The use of iron in coinage was a sign of the empire's economic and technological advancements, as well as its desire to create a distinctive and durable currency.