2 Cash - Chunxi Yuanbao; Regular script; Yu; iron ND
| Iron | - | 29 mm |
| Issuer | Empire of China |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Southern Song dynasty › Xiaozong (宋孝宗) (1162-1189) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 1174-1179 |
| Value | 2 Cash |
| Currency | Cash (621-1912) |
| Composition | Iron |
| Diameter | 29 mm |
| Shape | Round with a square hole |
| Technique | Cast |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-03 |
| Numista | N#218336 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
One Chinese ideogram above.
Script: Chinese (traditional, regular script)
Lettering: 裕
Translation:
Yu
Yufeng / Yuguo (mints)
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.Hartill says this mintmark is from the Yuguo Mint; however, for the Yufeng Mint, the "List of Song Dynasty Mints for Iron & Tin Alloy Cash (宋代铁钱监、夹锡钱监一览表)" says to see the description of the Yuguo Mint. It is possible both mints used this mintmark.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it was made of iron, which was a unusual choice of material for coins at that time, as most coins were made of copper, silver or gold. The use of iron as a material for coins was likely a result of a shortage of other metals, and it was a common practice during the Song Dynasty (960-1279) in China.
