© Stephen Album Rare Coins
© Stephen Album Rare Coins
Fractional cash - Zhiyuan Tongbao; temple coin ND
| Bronze | - | 20 mm |
| Issuer | Empire of China |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Yuan dynasty › Ukhaghatu Khan "Huizong" (元惠宗) (1333-1368) |
| Type | Token |
| Years | 1335-1340 |
| Value | Fractional cash (½) |
| Currency | Cash (621-1912) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Diameter | 20 mm |
| Shape | Round with a square hole |
| Technique | Cast |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-04 |
| Numista | N#221871 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
Blank (uniface).
Edge
Plain
Comment
Zhiyuan was an era used by both Kublai Khan (1260-1294) and Toghon Temür Khan (1333-1368), differenciated by a slight calligraphy change. On those of Kublai Khan, the right stroke of Yuan is pointed.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 - Zhiyuan (Tongbao; temple coin) ND (1335-1340) 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 for religious purposes, such as offerings to temples or spirits, and were also used as a form of payment for goods and services. The use of these coins as a form of currency was a significant innovation in the development of Chinese currency, as it allowed for the creation of a standardized system of exchange that was widely accepted across the empire.
