3 Cash - Kaixi (Yuanbao; Li; iron) ND (1205-1207) front 3 Cash - Kaixi (Yuanbao; Li; iron) ND (1205-1207) back
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3 Cash - Kaixi Yuanbao; Li; iron ND

 
Iron - 33 mm
Description
Issuer
Empire of China
Emperor
Southern Song dynasty › Ningzong (宋寧宗) (1194-1224)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
1205-1207
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
2024-10-03
References
Numista
N#219393
Rarity index
97%

Reverse

One Chinese ideogram above and two below.

Script: Chinese (traditional, regular script)

Lettering:

六一

Translation:
Li / Liu Yi
Lizhou (city) / Series 61

Edge

Plain

Comment

Series 61 has the numbers stacked; all other series have the number read right to left.

Interesting fact

The 3 Cash coin from the Empire of China, made of iron and issued during the reign of Emperor Ningzong (1205-1207), features a unique design that reflects the cultural and economic influences of the time. The coin's obverse side features a stylized dragon, which symbolizes power and good fortune in Chinese culture, while the reverse side bears the inscription "Kaixi Yuanbao," which means "precious treasure" or "valuable currency." The use of iron as the material for the coin was a deliberate choice, as it was a durable and widely available metal that could withstand the wear and tear of daily use. Despite its durability, the coin's iron composition also made it prone to rusting, which has led to few surviving examples of the coin in good condition. As a result, the 3 Cash coin from the Empire of China is now considered a rare and valuable collector's item, highly sought after by numismatists and historians interested in the economic and cultural history of China.