5 Cash - Hongwu Tongbao; with Wu ND
| Bronze | - | 40 mm |
| Issuer | Empire of China |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Ming dynasty › Hongwu (明太祖) (1368-1398) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 1368-1393 |
| Value | 5 Cash |
| Currency | Cash (621-1912) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Diameter | 40 mm |
| Shape | Round with a square hole |
| Technique | Cast |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-03 |
| Numista | N#222099 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Value above.
Script: Chinese (traditional, regular script)
Lettering: 五
Translation:
Wu
5 Cash
Edge
Plain
Comment
Casting of Hongwu coins started in 1368, but was not continuous. Large coins were discontinued in 1371, with all minting being suspended from 1375 to 1376, then again from 1387 to 1389 (that time due to a copper shortage). Minting was finally stopped again in 1393 in favour of paper money.Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Standard circulation coin 5 Cash - Hongwu (Tongbao; with Wu) ND (1368-1393) from Empire of China made of Bronze is that it was used as a form of currency during the Hongwu Emperor's reign, who was the founder of the Ming dynasty. The coin features the Chinese character "Wu" on one side, which represents the emperor's name and the name of the dynasty. The other side of the coin features a square hole in the center, which was used to string the coins together for ease of use in trade. This coin is a rare and valuable artifact that provides insight into the economic and cultural practices of ancient China.
