5 Cash - Jiading (Zhibao; type 1; Hui; iron) ND (1208-1224) front 5 Cash - Jiading (Zhibao; type 1; Hui; iron) ND (1208-1224) back
5 Cash - Jiading (Zhibao; type 1; Hui; iron) ND (1208-1224) photo
© Teutoburger Münzauktion

5 Cash - Jiading Zhibao; type 1; Hui; iron ND

 
Iron - 35 mm
Description
Issuer
Empire of China
Emperor
Southern Song dynasty › Ningzong (宋寧宗) (1194-1224)
Type
Circulating commemorative coin
Years
1208-1224
Value
5 Cash
Currency
Cash (621-1912)
Composition
Iron
Diameter
35 mm
Shape
Round with a square hole
Technique
Cast
Orientation
Medal alignment ↑↑
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-04
References
Numista
N#220073
Rarity index
100%

Reverse

One Chinese ideogram above and one below.

Script: Chinese (traditional, regular script)

Lettering:

Translation:
Hui / Wu
Huimin (mint) / Value 5

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 suggests that the Empire of China was experimenting with different materials for their currency, possibly due to a shortage of more traditional metals. This coin is a rare example of a circulating commemorative coin made of iron and its unique material makes it a valuable collector's item for numismatists.