5 Cash - Shengsong (Yuanbao; iron) ND (1208-1210) front 5 Cash - Shengsong (Yuanbao; iron) ND (1208-1210) back
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5 Cash - Shengsong Yuanbao; iron ND

 
Iron - 35 mm
Description
Issuer
Empire of China
Emperor
Southern Song dynasty › Ningzong (宋寧宗) (1194-1224)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
1208-1210
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
2024-10-03
References
Numista
N#219507
Rarity index
100%

Reverse

One crescent (facing up) with two dots above, one Chinese ideogram to the right, and one to the left.

Script: Chinese (traditional, regular script)

Lettering: 七四

Translation:
Si Qi
Series 47

Edge

Plain

Comment

According to records, in December of 1208, Sichuan began issuing 5 Cash coins with the dynastic title Shengsong. While they are dated to the first year of the Jiading era (1108-1124), they were apparently cast for three years.

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about the Standard circulation coin 5 Cash - Shengsong (Yuanbao; iron) ND (1208-1210) from Empire of China made of Iron is that it was used as a form of currency during the Song Dynasty, which was a time of great economic growth and cultural achievement in China. The coin's design features a square hole in the center, which was used to string multiple coins together for ease of use in transactions. Additionally, the coin's iron composition was a deliberate choice by the government to promote the use of iron as a currency, as it was seen as a more durable and practical alternative to other materials like copper or silver.