2 Cash - Chunxi (Yuanbao; Regular script; with year) 7-16 (1180-1189) front 2 Cash - Chunxi (Yuanbao; Regular script; with year) 7-16 (1180-1189) back
2 Cash - Chunxi (Yuanbao; Regular script; with year) 7-16 (1180-1189) photo
© gros (CC BY-NC-SA)

2 Cash - Chunxi Yuanbao; Regular script; with year

 
Bronze 6.89 g 29 mm
Description
Issuer
Empire of China
Emperor
Southern Song dynasty › Xiaozong (宋孝宗) (1162-1189)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
7-16 (1180-1189)
Calendar
Chinese - Chunxi era
Value
2 Cash
Currency
Cash (621-1912)
Composition
Bronze
Weight
6.89 g
Diameter
29 mm
Shape
Round with a square hole
Technique
Cast
Orientation
Medal alignment ↑↑
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-04
References
Numista
N#46172
Rarity index
82%

Reverse

One Chinese ideogram above and sometimes one below.

Script: Chinese (traditional, regular script)

Lettering:

Translation:
Shi si
Year 14

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 produced during the reign of Emperor Guang Zhao of the Southern Song Dynasty, who ruled from 1178 to 1194. This coin was part of a series of reforms that the emperor implemented to stabilize the economy and improve the currency system. The coin's design features the Chinese character "chun" (春) which means "spring" or "new beginnings," symbolizing the emperor's efforts to renew and revitalize the empire.