Fractional cash - Huangqing (Yuanbao; with crescent; temple coin) ND (1312-1313) front Fractional cash - Huangqing (Yuanbao; with crescent; temple coin) ND (1312-1313) back
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Fractional cash - Huangqing Yuanbao; with crescent; temple coin ND

 
Bronze - 21 mm
Description
Issuer
Empire of China
Emperor
Yuan dynasty › Buyantu Khan "Renzong" (元仁宗) (1311-1320)
Type
Token
Years
1312-1313
Value
Fractional cash (½)
Currency
Cash (621-1912)
Composition
Bronze
Diameter
21 mm
Shape
Round with a square hole
Technique
Cast
Orientation
Medal alignment ↑↑
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-03
References
Numista
N#221517
Rarity index
100%

Reverse

Crescent (facing up) above.

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 - Huangqing (Yuanbao; with crescent; temple coin) ND (1312-1313) 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 used alongside other forms of currency, such as paper money and silver, and was valued at a fraction of the standard cash coin. The crescent shape on the coin is believed to represent the Islamic influence on the Mongol Empire at the time.