Fractional cash - Yanyou Zhenbao; temple coin ND
| Bronze | - | 19 mm |
| Issuer | Empire of China |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Yuan dynasty › Buyantu Khan "Renzong" (元仁宗) (1311-1320) |
| Type | Token |
| Years | 1314-1320 |
| Value | Fractional cash (½) |
| Currency | Cash (621-1912) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Diameter | 19 mm |
| Shape | Round with a square hole |
| Technique | Cast |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-03 |
| Numista | N#221704 |
|---|---|
| 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 Yanyou (Zhenbao; temple coin) ND (1314-1320) from Empire of China made of Bronze is that it was used as a form of currency in ancient China, specifically during the Yuan Dynasty. These coins were used to purchase goods and services, and they were also used as offerings to the gods in religious ceremonies. The Yanyou coin was a fractional currency, meaning that it was worth a portion of a full coin, and it was made of bronze, which was a common material for coins at that time. Despite its small denomination, the Yanyou coin played an important role in the economy of ancient China, and it remains a valuable piece of history for collectors and historians today.
