© Stephen Album Rare Coins
© Stephen Album Rare Coins
5 Fen - Zhizheng Zhibao ND
| Bronze | 19.21 g | 42 mm |
| Issuer | Empire of China |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Yuan dynasty › Ukhaghatu Khan "Huizong" (元惠宗) (1333-1368) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 1350-1368 |
| Value | 5 Fen = 50 Cash |
| Currency | Cash (621-1912) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 19.21 g |
| Diameter | 42 mm |
| Shape | Round with a square hole |
| Technique | Cast |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-04 |
| Numista | N#221495 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Five Chinese ideograms read top, right to the bottom, and left to the bottom.
Script: Chinese (traditional, regular script)
Lettering:
吉
伍 權
分 鈔
Translation:
Ji / Quan Chao / Wu Fen
Ji / Equivalent in paper money / 5 Fen
Designer: Zhou Boqi
Edge
Plain
Comment
The Ji is for Ji'an mint, Jianxi.In 1350, chancellor Tuotuo attempted to reform the currency system of the Yuan dynasty by printing more paper money and creating large coins that promised to back the paper money. Even so, people hated the paper money because it could be easily damaged and be made un-redeemable, and the people were angry to the point that rebellions broke out in the Southern regions. The government printed even more paper money to fund they the military to fight the rebellions; however, that caused a hyperinflation.
People ended up disregarding the paper money and went back to a bartering system, making even the use of circulating coins a rarity.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the 5 Fen - Zhizheng (Zhibao) ND (1350-1368) coin from the Empire of China is that it was produced during the reign of the Hongwu Emperor, who was the founder of the Ming dynasty. This emperor was known for his efforts to stabilize and strengthen the Chinese economy, and the production of this coin was likely a part of those efforts. The coin's design and materials, such as the use of bronze, were likely chosen for their durability and affordability, making it a practical and accessible form of currency for everyday transactions.
