Fractional cash - Dade Yuan Nian; Regular script; temple coin
1 (1297) year| Bronze | - | 14 mm |
| Issuer | Empire of China |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Yuan dynasty › Öljeytü Khan "Chengzong" (元成宗) (1294-1307) |
| Type | Token |
| Year | 1 (1297) |
| Calendar | Chinese - Dade era |
| Value | Fractional cash (½) |
| Currency | Cash (621-1912) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Diameter | 14 mm |
| Shape | Round with a square hole |
| Technique | Cast |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-03 |
| Numista | N#221365 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Blank (uniface).
Edge
Plain
Comment
During the Yuan dynasty, there was a preference for paper money and silver ingots, making actual coins scarce or rare. However, the Yuan dynasty emperors supported Buddhism, and allowed temples to cast their own statues and artifacts. These temple coins were originally cast as offerings to Buddha, but due to their metal content, they still had an intrinsic value. While they were not official issues, these were widely accepted and used as small change in the markets.With these not being official issues, there are different diameters and weights possible. The average weights seem to be around 1/2 Cash, but smaller and larger weights exist.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Token Fractional cash - Dade (Yuan Nian; Regular script; temple coin) 1 (1297) from Empire of China made of Bronze is that it was used as a form of currency during the Yuan Dynasty, which was established by Kublai Khan, the grandson of Genghis Khan. This coin was part of a monetary system that was designed to facilitate trade and commerce across the vast Mongol Empire, which stretched from China to Eastern Europe. The use of bronze in the production of this coin was a deliberate choice, as it was a durable and affordable material that could be easily minted and distributed. Despite its durability, the coin was still susceptible to counterfeiting, and the Chinese government implemented strict measures to prevent the production of fake currency. Today, this coin is a valuable collector's item and a testament to the economic and cultural achievements of the Yuan Dynasty.
