2 Cash - Xining (Tongbao; with dot; iron) ND (1068-1077) front 2 Cash - Xining (Tongbao; with dot; iron) ND (1068-1077) back
2 Cash - Xining (Tongbao; with dot; iron) ND (1068-1077) photo
© Teutoburger Münzauktion

2 Cash - Xining Tongbao; with dot; iron ND

 
Iron 10.23 g 30 mm
Description
Issuer
Empire of China
Emperor
Northern Song dynasty › Shenzong (宋神宗) (1067-1085)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
1068-1077
Value
2 Cash
Currency
Cash (621-1912)
Composition
Iron
Weight
10.23 g
Diameter
30 mm
Shape
Round with a square hole
Technique
Cast
Orientation
Medal alignment ↑↑
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-04
References
Numista
N#214113
Rarity index
100%

Reverse

One dot above.

Edge

Plain

Comment

While bronze coins were first issued for the war in 1071, Schjoth makes no mention of iron issues, and Hartill lists the date-range starting at 1068 for these pieces (possibly because they are Tongbaos rather than Zhongbaos). With these examples also being slightly larger than the average war piece, these could be issues before the war.

With Xihe Mint mentioned to have cast iron 2 Cash pieces in 1075, it is likely these followed the same conditions as the bronze pieces (de-valued to 2 Cash in 1073).

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 suggests that the Empire of China was experimenting with different materials for their currency, possibly due to a shortage of more traditional metals.