2 Cash - Qingyuan (Tongbao; Tong; iron) 1-7 (1195-1201) front 2 Cash - Qingyuan (Tongbao; Tong; iron) 1-7 (1195-1201) back
2 Cash - Qingyuan (Tongbao; Tong; iron) 1-7 (1195-1201) photo
© ollisaarinen (CC BY)

2 Cash - Qingyuan Tongbao; Tong; iron

 
Iron 7.53 g 28 mm
Description
Issuer
Empire of China
Emperor
Southern Song dynasty › Ningzong (宋寧宗) (1194-1224)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
1-7 (1195-1201)
Calendar
Chinese - Qingyuan era
Value
2 Cash
Currency
Cash (621-1912)
Composition
Iron
Weight
7.53 g
Diameter
28 mm
Thickness
2.8 mm
Shape
Round with a square hole
Technique
Cast
Orientation
Medal alignment ↑↑
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-04
References
Numista
N#141592
Rarity index
94%

Reverse

One Chinese ideogram above and one below.

Script: Chinese (traditional, regular script)

Lettering:

Translation:
Tong / Liu
Tong'an (mint) / Year 6

Edge

Plain

Comment

The Qianyuan era lasted only six years, so the instructions to change the era name on the coins must not have been given in time, leading to some coins to be dated Year 7.

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 seen as a way to reduce the cost of production and make currency more accessible to the general population. This coin was also unique in that it was issued during the Qingyuan period, which was a time of great economic and cultural growth in China, and it features a distinctive square hole in the center, which was a common feature of coins during this period.