Fractional cash - Zhishun Ren Shen; Tai Yi; temple coin
9 (1332) year| Bronze | - | 14 mm |
| Issuer | Empire of China |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Yuan dynasty › Jayaatu Khan "Wenzong" (元文宗) (1329-1332) |
| Type | Token |
| Year | 9 (1332) |
| Calendar | Chinese cyclical (cycle starting in 1324) |
| 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#221523 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
One Chinese ideogram above and one below.
Lettering:
太
乙
Translation:
Tai Yi
Great [?]
Edge
Plain
Comment
These coins have dates written in the cyclical calendar, which repeats on a 60-year cylce. This partical cycle started in 1324.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 - Zhishun (Ren Shen; Tai Yi; temple coin) 9 (1332) 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 in 1271. The coin was minted in large quantities and was used to facilitate trade and commerce throughout the empire. Despite its widespread use, the coin was not made of a precious metal like gold or silver, but rather bronze, which was a more accessible and affordable material at the time. This fact highlights the resourcefulness and adaptability of the Yuan Dynasty in minting a currency that was both practical and widely available.