3 Cash - Jiading (Hongbao; iron) ND (1208-1224) front 3 Cash - Jiading (Hongbao; iron) ND (1208-1224) back
3 Cash - Jiading (Hongbao; iron) ND (1208-1224) photo
© Teutoburger Münzauktion

3 Cash - Jiading Hongbao; iron ND

 
Iron - 33 mm
Description
Issuer
Empire of China
Emperor
Southern Song dynasty › Ningzong (宋寧宗) (1194-1224)
Type
Circulating commemorative coin
Years
1208-1224
Value
3 Cash
Currency
Cash (621-1912)
Composition
Iron
Diameter
33 mm
Shape
Round with a square hole
Technique
Cast
Orientation
Medal alignment ↑↑
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-04
References
Numista
N#219551
Rarity index
97%

Reverse

One Chinese ideogram above.

Lettering:

Translation:
San
Value 3

Edge

Plain

Comment

During the Jiading era, in addition to the regular Tongbao, Yuanbao, and Zhongbao coins, various other currency names are used:

- 安寶 (Anbao; peaceful currency)
- 崇寶 (Chongbao; noble currency)
- 大寶 (Dabao; large currency)
- 封寶 (Fengbao; honoured currency)
- 洪寶 (Hongbao; great currency)
- 隆寶 (Longbao; eminent currency)
- 泉寶 (Quanbao; type 1; wealthy currency)
- 全寶 (Quanbao; type 2; perfect currency)
- 万寶 (Wanbao; uncountable currency)
- 新寶 (Xinbao; new currency)
- 興寶 (Xingbao; prosperous currency)
- 永寶 (Yongbao; everlasting currency)
- 真寶 (Zhenbao; type 1; true currency)
- 珍寶 (Zhenbao; type 2; precious currency)
- 正寶 (Zhengbao; orthodox currency)
- 至寶 (Zhibao; type 1; best currency)
- 之寶 (Zhibao; type 2; the currency)

These all appear to be from mints in Sichuan; however, the exact purpose of these pieces (collectively known as the substitution series) is uncertain.

One possible theory is that, because the Jiading era lasted 24 years and there are exactly 24 coin in this series, a different currency name was used each year.

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 was likely a deliberate choice by the mint to create a coin that was more durable and resistant to wear and tear, given the high circulation and usage of coins in daily transactions. This fact highlights the innovative approach of the Empire of China's minting technology and their effort to create a coin that was both practical and symbolic.