List of Chinese cash coins by inscription

Chinese cash coins were first produced during the Warring States period, and they became standardised as the Ban Liang (半兩) coinage during the Qin dynasty which followed. Over the years, cash coins have had many different inscriptions, and the Wu Zhu (五銖) inscription, which first appeared under the Han dynasty, became the most commonly used inscription and was often used by succeeding dynasties for 700 years until the introduction of the Kaiyuan Tongbao (開元通寳) during the Tang dynasty. This was also the first time regular script was used as all earlier cash coins exclusively used seal script. During the Song dynasty a large number of different inscriptions was used, and several different styles of Chinese calligraphy were used, even on coins with the same inscriptions produced during the same period. These cash coins are known as matched coins (對錢). This was originally pioneered by the Southern Tang.

Chinese cash coins from every major dynasty in Chinese history and the Republic of China.

After the Mongols conquered China the Yuan dynasty largely deprecated copper coinage in favour of paper money. This trend continued under the Ming dynasty. After the Chinese became independent again, during the Ming dynasty, cash coins only contained the reign titles of the emperor. Due to a naming taboo the term "Yuanbao" (元寶) was phased out from cash coin inscriptions as the founder of the Ming dynasty, Zhu Yuanzhang had the word "Yuan" (元) in his name.

Under the Manchu Qing dynasty the trend of exclusively using the reign title of the Emperor continued, and all cash coins issued during this period were written in regular script.

Below is a list of obverse inscriptions that were used on Chinese cash coins organized by period and/or dynasty.[1][2][3]

Warring states period

During the Warring states period of the Zhou dynasty the first precursors of the Chinese cash coins started to appear. These early round coins (圜錢, huánqián) circulated alongside the knife and spade money. As most of these early round coins had round holes, the first "true" cash coins were the Yi Hua (一化) produced by the State of Yan.[4][5] Apart from two small and presumably late coins from the State of Qin, coins from the spade money area have a round hole and refer to the jin and liang units. Those from the knife money area have a square hole and are denominated in hua.[6]

Round hole, no rims, reverses plain and flat

List of early round coins produced between 350 BC and 220 BC:[7][8][9][10][11]

InscriptionTraditional ChineseHanyu pinyinMeaningAlternative reading(s)Image
GonggòngA city in the state of LiangNone
Gong Tun Chi Jin共屯赤金gòng tún chì jīn"Gong Pure Red Metal"共純赤金
(Gong Chun Chi Jin)
Gong Ban Jin共半釿gòng bàn jīn"Gong, half jin"None
Yuan[lower-alpha 1]yuánA city in the state of LiangNone
Gu"Old"None
An Zang安臧ān zāngA city in the state of ZhouNone
Qi Yuan Yi Jin桼垣一釿qī yuán yì jīn"Qiyuan, one Jin",
State of Liang
長垣一釿
(Chang Yuan Yi Jin)
桼圜一釿
(Qi Yuan Yi Jin)
Qi Yuan Yi Jin桼睘一釿qī yuán yì jīn
Xiang Yin[lower-alpha 2]襄陰xiāng yīnA city in the state of Liang濟陰
(Ji Yin)
畢陰
(Bi Yin)
Li Shi離石lí shíA city in the state of ZhaoNone
Feng Ping封坪fēng píngUnknown陰坪
(Yin Ping)
武坪
(Wu Ping)
Hou Jin侯釿hóu jīn"Hou, (one) Jin"𥎦釿
(Hou Jin)
LinlìnA city in the state of Zhao藺 / 閵
(Lin)
Wu'an武安wǔ ān"Martial peace"None
Pishi皮氏pí shìNone
Pingbei平備píng bèi"Perfect peace"None
Xi Zhou西周xī zhōuState of Western ZhouNone
Dong Zhou東周dōng zhōuState of Eastern ZhouNone
Ban Yuan半睘bàn qióng"Half Coin"[lower-alpha 3]None

State of Yan

List of early round coins produced by the State of Yan between 300 BC and 220 BC:[12]

InscriptionTraditional ChineseHanyu pinyinAlternative reading(s)Image
Yi Hua[lower-alpha 4]一化yī huà一刀
(Yi Dao)
Ming Hua明化míng huà明刀
(Ming Dao)
匽化
(Yan Hua)
Ming Si明四míng sì匽四
(Yan Si)

State of Qi

List of early round coins produced by the State of Qi between 300 BC and 220 BC:

InscriptionTraditional ChineseHanyu pinyinAlternative reading(s)Image
Yi Hua益化yì huà賹化
(Ai Hua)
Yi Si Hua益四化yì sì huà賹四化
(Ai Si Hua)
Yi Liu Hua[lower-alpha 5]益六化yì liù huà賹六化
(Ai Liu Hua)

State of Qin

List of early round coins produced by the State of Qin between 250 BC and 220 BC:

InscriptionTraditional ChineseHanyu pinyinMeaningImage
Zhu Zhong Yi Liang Shi Er珠重一兩十二zhū zhòng yī liǎng shí èr"Weight of 1 Liang and 12 times 1 Zhu"
Zhu Zhong Yi Liang Shi Si珠重一兩十四zhū zhòng yī liǎng shí sì"Weight of 1 Liang and 14 times 1 Zhu"
Chang'an長安cháng'ānSaid to have been cast by Zhao Chengjiao,
Lord of Chang'an.
Wenxin文信wén xìnSaid to have been cast by Lü Buwei,
the Marquis of Wenxin.
Liang Zi兩甾[lower-alpha 6]liǎng zī"Two Zi"
(12 Zhu)
Ban Liang半兩bàn liǎng"Half tael"

Qin dynasty

During the Qin dynasty production of the Ban Liang cash coins continued and its weight was standardised.[13]

InscriptionTraditional ChineseHanyu pinyinLiteral translationYears of productionEmperorsImage
Ban Liang半兩bàn liǎng"Half tael"221 BC–206 BCQin Shi Huang
Qin Er Shi

Western Han dynasty

Under the Western Han dynasty the Ban Liang cash coins of the earlier Qin dynasty were retained until a series of monetary reforms replaced them first with the San Zhu and then the Wu Zhu, the latter would be continued to be manufactured for around 700 years.

InscriptionTraditional ChineseHanyu pinyinLiteral translationYears of productionImage
Ban Liang半兩bàn liǎng"Half tael"206 BC–119 BC
San Zhu三銖sān zhū"Three Zhu"119 BC–118 BC[lower-alpha 7]
Wu Zhu五銖wǔ zhū"Five Zhu"118 BC–9 AD

Xin dynasty

After Wang Mang usurped the throne he instituted various monetary reforms, in AD 9 he retained the Wu Zhu cash coins but introduced two new types of Knife money, between AD 9 and 10 he introduced an impossibly complex system involving tortoise shell, cowries, gold, silver, six round copper coins, and a reintroduction of the spade money in ten denominations. In AD 14, all these tokens were abolished, and replaced by another type of spade coin and new round coins.[14][15][16][17]

List of cash coins issued by the Xin dynasty:

InscriptionTraditional ChineseHanyu pinyinLiteral translationYears of productionEmperorImage
The Six Round Coins (series 9–14)
Xiao Quan Zhi Yi小泉直一xiǎoquán zhí yī"Small Coin, Value One"9–14Wang Mang
Yao Quan Yi Shi么泉一十yǎo quán yīshí"Baby Coin, Ten"9–14Wang Mang
You Quan Er Shi幼泉二十yòu quán èrshí"Juvenile Coin, Twenty"9–14Wang Mang
Zhong Quan San Shi中泉三十zhōng quán sānshí"Middle Coin, Thirty"9–14Wang Mang
Zhuang Quan Si Shi壯泉四十zhuàng quán sìshí"Adult Coin, Forty"9–14Wang Mang
Da Quan Wu Shi大泉五十dàquán wǔshí"Large coin with a nominal value of fifty (Wu Zhu cash coins)"9–14Wang Mang
Later issues
Huo Quan貨泉huòquán"Wealth/Money Coin"14–23Wang Mang
Bu Quan布泉bù quán"Spade Coin"14–23Wang Mang

Chengjia

The rebel Gongsun Shu cast iron cash coins based on the Wu Zhu's of the Western Han dynasty in his rebel state of Chengjia in present-day Sichuan:[18]

InscriptionTraditional ChineseHanyu PinyinEmperorApproximate years of mintageImage
Wu Zhu五銖wǔ zhūGongsun Shu25–36

Eastern Han dynasty

The Eastern Han dynasty only cast Wu Zhu (五銖) cash coins.[19]

InscriptionTraditional ChineseHanyu PinyinImage
Wu Zhu五銖wǔ zhū

Kingdom of Khotan

List of cash coins produced by the Kingdom of Khotan:[20][21][22]

InscriptionTraditional ChineseHanyu PinyinApproximate years of productionKingIllustration
(from A. Stein)
Image
Yu Fang于方yú fāng129–130Fang Qian

The Three Kingdoms

List of Chinese cash coins issued during Three Kingdoms period:[23]

InscriptionTraditional ChineseHanyu pinyinLiteral translationApproximate years of productionKingImage
Cao Wei (222–265)
Wu Zhu五銖wǔ zhū"Five Zhu"227–265All
(except for Cao Pi)
Shu Han (221–265)
Zhi Bai Wu Zhu直百五銖zhí bǎi wǔ zhū"Value One Hundred Wu Zhu"214Liu Bei
Zhi Bai直百zhí bǎi"Value One Hundred"214Liu Bei
Tai Ping Bai Qian太平百錢tàipíng bǎi qián"Taiping One Hundred Cash"UnknownLiu Bei
Tai Ping Bai Jin[lower-alpha 8]太平百金tàipíng bǎi jīn"Taiping One Hundred Cash"UnknownLiu Bei
Zhi Yi直一zhí yī"Value One"UnknownLiu Bei
Ding Ping Yi Bai定平一百dìngpíng yībǎi"Ding Ping One Hundred"UnknownLiu Bei
Wu Zhu五銖wǔ zhū"Five Zhu"UnknownLiu Bei
Eastern Wu (222–280)
Da Quan Wu Bai大泉五百dàquán wǔbǎi"Large Coin Five Hundred"236Sun Quan
Da Quan Dang Qian大泉當千dàquán dāng qiān"Large Coin Worth a Thousand"238Sun Quan
Da Quan Er Qian大泉二千dàquán èrqiān"Large Coin, Two Thousand"UnknownSun Quan
Da Quan Wu Qian大泉五千dàquán wǔqiān"Large Coin, Five Thousand"UnknownSun Quan

Kingdom of Kucha

List of cash coins produced by the Kingdom of Kucha:[24][25][2][26]

Inscription
(Obverse)
Inscription
(Reverse)
Approximate years of productionDifferentiating featuresImage
BlankBlank265–589These have a rim around the square centre hole on one side while the other side is rimless, they tend to thin on the outside while they're thick on the inside.
BlankBlank265–589Similar to the first type but these cash coins have no inner rim.
BlankBlank265–589These cash coins are completely without rim but are square in shape and have a square centre hole, they tend to be very thin.
BlankBlank265–589These cash coins are irregularly shaped, diminutive in size, thin, and are cast of poor workmanship. Some are merely five millimeters in diameter and weigh as little as 0.2 grams.
五銖
(Wu Zhu)
An undeciphered Kuśiññe language inscription.UnknownThese are the only known cash coins produced by Kucha with an inscription.

Jin Dynasty and the 16 Kingdoms

List of Chinese cash coins produced during the Jin dynasty and Sixteen Kingdoms period:[27][2]

InscriptionTraditional ChineseHanyu pinyinLiteral translationApproximate years of productionMonarchImage
Jin dynasty (265–420)
Wu Zhu[28]五銖wǔ zhū"Five Zhu"UnknownUnknown
Former Liang Kingdom (301–376)
Liang Zao Xin Quan涼造新泉liáng zào xīnquán"Liang Made New Coin"317–376King Zhang Gui
Wu Zhu五銖wǔ zhū"Five Zhu"UnknownKing Zhang Gui[lower-alpha 9]
Later Zhao Kingdom (319–352)
Feng Huo豐貨fēng huò"The Coin of Abundance"319Shi Le
Cheng Han Kingdom (303–347)
Han Xing漢興hàn xìng"the period title of [Han Xing]"[lower-alpha 10]337–343Li Shou
Xia Kingdom (407–431)
Tai Xia Zhen Xing太夏眞興tài xià zhēnxìng"Great Xia, Zhenxing [period]"419–424Helian Bobo

The North and South dynasties

List of cash coins produced by the Northern and Southern dynasties:[29][30]

InscriptionTraditional ChineseHanyu PinyinLiteral translationYears of productionEmperor
(South / North)
Image
Southern dynasties
Song dynasty (420–479)
Si Zhu四銖sì zhū"Four Zhu"430Emperor Wen
Xiao Jian (obverse)
Si Zhu
(reverse)
孝建 (obverse)
四銖 (reverse)
xiào jiàn (obverse)
sì zhū (reverse)
"Xiaojian period" (obverse)
"Four Zhu" (reverse)
454–467Emperor Xiaowu
Xiao Jian孝建xiào jiàn"Xiaojian period"454–467Emperor Xiaowu
Jing He景和jǐng hé"[Jing He period title]"465Emperor Fei
Yong Guang永光yǒng guāng"[Yong Guang period title]"465Emperor Fei
Liang Zhu兩銖liǎng zhū"Two Zhu",
"A pair of Zhu's"
465Emperor Fei
Liang dynasty (502–556)
Wu Zhu五銖wǔ zhū"Five Zhu"502–556All
Taiqing Fengle太清豐樂tài qīng fēng lè"Tai Qing, Prosperous and Happy"547–549Emperor Wu
Chen dynasty (557–589)
Wu Zhu五銖wǔ zhū"Five Zhu"560–566Emperor Wen
Taihuo Liuzhu太貨六銖tài huò liù zhū"The Large Coin Six Zhu"579Emperor Xuan
Liu Zhu[2][lower-alpha 11]六銖liù zhū"Six Zhu"579Emperor Xuan
Northern dynasties
Northern Wei dynasty (386–534)
Taihe Wuzhu太和五銖tài hé wǔ zhū"Taihe [period] Wu Zhu"495Emperor Xiaowen
Wu Zhu[2]五銖wǔ zhū"Five Zhu"510Emperor Xuanwu
Yongan Wuzhu永安五銖yǒng'ān wǔ zhū"Yong An [period] Wu Zhu"529–543Emperor Xiaozhuang
Western Wei dynasty (535–557)
Wu Zhu五銖wǔ zhū"Five Zhu"546Emperor Wen
Northern Qi dynasty (550–77)
Chang Ping Wu Zhu常平五銖chángpíng wǔ zhū"The Constant and Regular Wu Zhu"553Emperor Wenxuan
Northern Zhou dynasty (557–581)
Bu Quan布泉bù quán"Spade Coin"561Emperor Wu
Wuxing Dabu五行大布wǔháng dà bù"The Large Coin of the Five Elements [metal, wood, water, fire, and earth]"574Emperor Wu
Yongtong Wanguo永通萬國yǒng tōng wànguó"Everlasting Circulation in Ten Thousand Kingdoms"579Emperor Xuan

Sui dynasty

The Sui dynasty only cast Wu Zhu (五銖) cash coins.[31][32]

InscriptionTraditional ChineseHanyu PinyinImage
Wu Zhu五銖wǔ zhū

Tang dynasty

List of cash coins issued by the Tang dynasty:[33]

InscriptionTraditional ChineseHanyu PinyinYears of productionEmperorImage
Kaiyuan Tongbao開元通寶kāiyuán tōng bǎo621–846Various
Qianfeng Quanbao乾封泉寶qián fēng quán bǎo666Gaozong
Qianyuan Zhongbao乾元重寶qián yuán zhòng bǎo758–762Suzong

Local issues

List of local issue cash coins of the Tang dynasty:[34]

InscriptionTraditional ChineseHanyu PinyinApproximate years of productionPlace of mintageEmperorImage
Dali Yuanbao大曆元寶dà lì yuánbǎo766–779Kucha area,
Protectorate General to Pacify the West
Daizong
Da766–779Kucha area,
Protectorate General to Pacify the West
Daizong
Yuanyuán766–779Kucha area,
Protectorate General to Pacify the West
Daizong
Jianzhong Tongbao建中通寶jiàn zhōng tōng bǎo780–783Kucha area,
Protectorate General to Pacify the West
Dezong
Zhongzhōng780–783Kucha area,
Protectorate General to Pacify the West
Dezong
Xiantong Xuanbao咸通玄寶xián tōng xuán bǎo860–874Guiyang InspectorateYizong
Gaochang Jili高昌吉利Gāochāng jí lì860–874GaochangYizong

Yan dynasty

List of cash coins issued by the Great Yan dynasty during the An Lushan Rebellion:[34]

InscriptionTraditional ChineseHanyu PinyinYears of productionEmperorImage
Deyi Yuanbao得壹元寶de yī yuánbǎo758Shi Siming
Shuntian Yuanbao順天元寶shùn tiān yuánbǎo759–761Shi Siming

Uyghur Khaganate

The Uyghur Khaganate manufactured a cash coin with an Old Uyghur inscription under the reign of Boquq Khagan.[35][36][37] A later cash coin is known to have been cast by the Uyghurs but it is not known when it was manufactured.[38][39]

Inscription
(obverse)
Inscription
(reverse)
Approximate years of productionKhaganImage
Köl bilgä Tängri Boquq Uiğur qağanIl tutmiš yarliğinga795–808Boquq Khagan
Iduq yarliq yurisunUnknownUnknown

The Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms

Later Liang dynasty

List of cash coins produced by the Later Liang dynasty (907–923):[40]

InscriptionTraditional ChineseHanyu PinyinYears of productionEmperorImage
Kaiping Tongbao開平通寶kāipíng tōng bǎo907Zhu Wen

Later Tang dynasty

List of cash coins produced by the Later Tang dynasty (923–936):[40]

InscriptionTraditional ChineseHanyu PinyinYears of productionEmperorImage
Tiancheng Yuanbao天成元寶tiānchéng yuánbǎo926–929Ming

Later Jin dynasty (936–947)

List of cash coins produced by the Later Jin dynasty (936–947):[40]

InscriptionTraditional ChineseHanyu PinyinYears of productionEmperorImage
Tianfu Yuanbao天福元寶tiānfú yuánbǎo938Gao Zong

Later Han dynasty

List of cash coins produced by the Later Han dynasty (948–951):[40]

InscriptionTraditional ChineseHanyu PinyinYears of productionEmperorImage
Hanyuan Tongbao漢元通寶hàn yuán tōng bǎo948Gao Zu

Later Zhou dynasty

List of cash coins produced by the Later Zhou dynasty (951–960):[41]

InscriptionTraditional ChineseHanyu PinyinYears of productionEmperorImage
Zhouyuan Tongbao周元通寶zhōuyuán tōng bǎo955–960Shi Zong

Former Shu

List of cash coins attributed to the Former Shu Kingdom (907–925):[42]

InscriptionTraditional ChineseHanyu PinyinYears of productionKingImage
Yongping Yuanbao永平元寶yǒng píng yuánbǎo911–915Wang Jian
Tongzheng Yuanbao通正元寶tōng zhèng yuánbǎo916Wang Jian
Tianhan Yuanbao天漢元寶tiānhàn yuánbǎo917Wang Jian
Guangtian Yuanbao光天元寶guāng tiān yuánbǎo918Wang Jian
Qiande Yuanbao乾德元寶qián dé yuánbǎo919–924Wang Zongyan
Xiankang Yuanbao咸康元寶xián kāng yuánbǎo925Wang Zongyan

Kingdom of Min

List of cash coins attributed to the Kingdom of Min (909–945):[43]

InscriptionTraditional ChineseHanyu PinyinDifferentiating features and notesYears of productionMonarchImage
Kaiyuan Tongbao開元通寶kāiyuán tōng bǎoA small lead Kai Yuan coin was minted in Ninghua County of Dingzhou Prefecture in Fujian Province, where deposits of lead had been discovered. The lead coins circulated together with copper coins.916Wang Shenzhi
Kaiyuan Tongbao開元通寶kāiyuán tōng bǎoThese cash coins have a large dot above on the reverse side. They are made of iron and the same coin cast in bronze is extremely rare.922Wang Shenzhi
Kaiyuan Tongbao開元通寶kāiyuán tōng bǎoThese cash coins have the character Min (Chinese: ; pinyin: mǐn) on the reverse.
They are from the Fujian region and made of lead.
Wang Shenzhi
Kaiyuan Tongbao開元通寶kāiyuán tōng bǎoThese cash coins have the character Fu (Chinese: ; pinyin: ) on the reverse in reference to Fuzhou.
They are made of lead.
Wang Shenzhi
Yonglong Tongbao永隆通寶yǒnglóng tōng bǎoThese iron cash coins have the character Min (Chinese: ; pinyin: mǐn) on the reverse and comes from the Fujian region.
There is a crescent below.
One of these large Yonglong Tongbao coins was worth 10 small coins and 100 lead coins. A string of 500 of these poorly made Min iron coins were popularly called a kao ("a manacle").
942Wang Yanxi
Tiande Tongbao天德通寶tiān dé tōng bǎoThese cash coins are made of iron.944Wang Yanzheng

Kingdom of Chu

List of cash coins attributed to the Kingdom of Chu (907–951):[44]

InscriptionTraditional ChineseHanyu PinyinDifferentiating features and notesYears of productionMonarchImage
Tiance Fubao天策府寶tiān cè fǔ bǎoThese cash coins are made of iron.911Supreme Commander Ma Yin
Qianfeng Quanbao乾封泉寶qiān fēng quán bǎoThese cash coins are made of iron.
According to the histories, because there was much lead and iron in Hunan, Ma Yin took the advice of his minister Gao Yu to cast lead and iron coins at Changsha in 925.
Extremely rare bronze specimens are also known.
925King Wumu of Chu
Qianyuan Zhongbao乾元重寶qiān yuán zhòng bǎoThese cash coins bear an inscription that is also found on Tang coins.
This small lead coin is thought to have been issued by the Chu kingdom. Similar bronze coins are sometimes attributed to Ma Yin, but could be funerary items.
UnknownMa Yin

Later Shu

Cash coins produced by the Later Shu (926–965) include:[45]

InscriptionTraditional ChineseHanyu PinyinDifferentiating featuresYears of productionMonarchImage
Dashu Tongbao大蜀通寶dà shǔ tōng bǎoThese cash coins are attributed to Meng Zhixiang when he became Emperor Gao Zu of Shu in Chengdu in 934. He died three months later. Despite its rarity, some say this coin continued to be cast by his son, Meng Chang, until 937.934(–937)Gao Zu
Guangzheng Tongbao廣政通寶guǎng zhèng tōng bǎoThese cash coins are either made of bronze or iron.
The bronze coins were cast by Meng Chang from the beginning of this period, 938.
In 956, iron coins began to be cast to cover additional military expenses.
938–963Meng Chang

Southern Tang Kingdom

Cash coins manufactured by the Southern Tang Kingdom (937–975) include:[46][47]

InscriptionTraditional ChineseHanyu PinyinDifferentiating featuresYears of productionMonarchImage
Daqi Tongbao大齊通寶dà qí tōng bǎoThese cash coins were said to have been cast by the Prince of Qi or by the founder of the Southern Tang with the original name of the Tang kingdom.
Only two specimens were known, and these have now disappeared.
937Xu Zhigao
Baoda Yuanbao保大元寶bǎo dà yuán bǎoThis cash coin has on its reverse the character Tian (天) above.
They are made of iron and date between.
There is also an extremely rare bronze example of this coin.
943–957Yuan Zong
Yongtong Quanhuo永通泉貨yǒng tōng quán huò959–964Yuan Zong
Tangguo Tongbao唐國通寶tang guó tōng bǎoThe inscriptions of these cash coins could be written in seal, li, and regular script.[48]959Yuan Zong
Datang Tongbao大唐通寶dà táng tōng bǎoThese coins are all written in li script.959Yuan Zong
Kaiyuan Tongbao開元通寶kāiyuán tōng bǎoThese versions of the Kaiyuan Tongbao are written in li script and have broader rims.961Li Yu

Southern Han Kingdom

The cash coins produced by the Southern Han dynasty were:[49]

InscriptionTraditional ChineseHanyu PinyinDifferentiating featuresYears of productionMonarchImage
Kaiping Yuanbao開平元寶kāi píng yuán bǎoThese cash coins were made from lead.907–910Liu Yin
Qianheng Tongbao乾亨通寶gān hēng tōng bǎo917–942Lie Zu
Qianheng Zhongbao乾亨重寶gān hēng zhòng bǎoThese cash coins were made from bronze and lead.917–942Lie Zu

Crude lead coins

Crude lead cash coins attributed to the Southern Han/Chu area (900–971):

InscriptionTraditional ChineseHanyu PinyinDifferentiating featuresImage
Kaiyuan Tongbao開元通寶kāiyuán tōng bǎoThese cash coins are based on Tang Dynasty coins. They have a local style with numerous reverse inscriptions which are apparently series numbers.

There is a very great variety of such coins; some have crescents on the reverse. The Kai character sometimes looks like yong (Chinese: ; pinyin: yǒng). Characters and legends often reversed because the incompetent workmen had not mastered the art of engraving in negative to make the moulds. Some specimens have meaningless characters.

Cash coins with hybrid inscriptions from this same area:

InscriptionTraditional ChineseHanyu PinyinImage
Wu Wu五五wǔ wǔ
Wu Wu Wu五五五wǔ wǔ wǔ
Wu Wu Wu Wu五五五五wǔ wǔ wǔ wǔ
Wu Zhu五朱wǔ zhū
Kai Yuan Wu Wu開元五五kāiyuán wǔ wǔ

These cash coins are typical of the hybrid inscriptions formed by combinations of inappropriate characters. They also have series numbers on the reverse. Note that the radical "" is missing from this Wu Zhu (五朱) coin. One variant of the Wu Wu (五五) coin has the Xin dynasty inscription Huo Quan (貨泉) on its reverse.[50]

You Zhou Autonomous Region

The following cash coins were produced in the You Zhou Autonomous region (which enjoyed virtual independence from the rest of the empire) between 900 and 914:[51]

InscriptionTraditional ChineseHanyu PinyinDifferentiating featuresImage
Yong An Yi Shi永安一十yǒng'ān yīshí
Yong An Yi Bai永安一百yǒng'ān yībǎi
Yong An Wu Bai永安五百yǒng'ān wǔbǎi
Yong An Yi Qian永安一千yǒng'ān yīqiānThese cash coins are found in either bronze or iron.
Wu Zhu五銖wǔ zhūThese Wu Zhu cash coins are made from iron.
Huo Bu (obverse)
San Bai (reverse)
貨布 (Obverse)
三百 (reverse)
huò bù (obverse)
sānbǎi (reverse)
Shuntian Yuanbao順天元寶shùn tiān yuánbǎoAre made from iron. These poorly made coins are imitations of coins of previous regimes and are attributed to the You Zhou.

Liao dynasty

Liao dynasty coins (like some contemporary Song dynasty coins) can be read top-right-bottom-left (clockwise), but unlike the Song's coinage never appeared top-bottom-right-left. Liao dynasty era cash coins have appeared in both Chinese and Khitan scripts, but the latter can more accurately be described as a type of Chinese numismatic charms as they weren't meant for circulation.[52][53][54][55][56]

List of cash coins produced by the Khitans under the Liao dynasty:[57][58]

InscriptionTraditional ChineseSimplified ChineseYears of mintingEmperorImage
Tian Xian Tong Bao天顯通寶天显通宝927–937Taizong
Tian Chao Wan Shun天朝萬順天朝万顺?
Qian Qiu Wan Sui千秋萬歲千秋万岁938Taizong
Hui Tong Tong Bao會同通寶会同通宝938–947Taizong
Tian Lu Tong Bao天祿通寶天禄通宝947–951Shizong
Ying Li Tong Bao應曆通寶应历通宝951–969Muzong
Bao Ning Tong Bao保寧通寶保宁通宝969–982Jingzong
Tong He Yuan Bao統和元寶統和元宝983–1011Shengzong
Chong Xi Tong Bao重熙通寶重熙通宝1032–1055Xingzong
Qing Ning Tong Bao清寧通寶清宁通宝1055–1064Daozong
Xian Yong Tong Bao咸雍通寶咸雍通宝1065–1074Daozong
Da Kang Tong Bao大康通寶大康通宝1074–1084Daozong
Da Kang Yuan Bao大康元寶大康元宝1074–1084Daozong
Da An Yuan Bao大安元寶大安元宝1085–1094Daozong
Shou Chang Yuan Bao壽昌元寶寿昌元宝1095–1101Daozong
Qian Tong Yuan Bao乾統元寶乾统元宝1101–1110Tianzuo
Tian Qing Yuan Bao天慶元寶天庆元宝1111–1120Tianzuo

Northern Song dynasty

The cash coins of the Song dynasty are notable in the aspect that many cash coins of the same era that use the same inscription and have the same nominal value come in multiple Chinese calligraphic fonts. Many Emperors of the Song dynasty personally wrote the calligraphy to be inscribed on the cash coin. There are generally three scripts used on Song dynasty era cash coins which include Regular script, Seal script, and Running hand script/Grass script. The reading order of Song dynasty era cash coins exist in top-bottom-right-left and top-right-bottom-left orders.[59]

List of cash coins produced by the Northern Song dynasty:[60][1][3]

InscriptionTraditional ChineseSimplified ChineseScriptsPeriod mintedEmperorImage
Song Yuan Tong Bao宋元通寶宋元通宝Regular script960–976Taizu
Tai Ping Tong Bao太平通寶太平通宝Regular script976–989Taizong
Chun Hua Yuan Bao淳化元寶淳化元宝Regular script, Seal script, Running script990–994Taizong
Zhi Dao Yuan Bao至道元寶至道元宝Regular script, Grass script,[61] Running script995–997Taizong
Xian Ping Yuan Bao咸平元寶咸平元宝Regular script998–1003Zhenzong
Jing De Yuan Bao景德元寶景德元宝Regular script1004–1007Zhenzong
Xiang Fu Tong Bao祥符通寶祥符通宝Regular script, Running script1008–1016Zhenzong
Xiang Fu Yuan Bao祥符元寶祥符元宝Regular script1008–1016Zhenzong
Tian Xi Tong Bao天禧通寶天禧通宝Regular script1017–1022Zhenzong
Tian Sheng Yuan Bao天聖元寶天圣元宝Regular script, Seal script1023–1031Renzong
Ming Dao Yuan Bao明道元寶明道元宝Regular script, Seal script1032–1033Renzong
Jing You Yuan Bao景祐元寶景祐元宝Regular script, Seal script1034–1038Renzong
Huang Song Tong Bao皇宋通寶皇宋通宝Regular script, Seal script, Nine-fold seal script[2][lower-alpha 12]1039–1054Renzong
Kang Ding Yuan Bao康定元寶康定元宝Regular script1040Renzong
Qing Li Zhong Bao慶歷重寶庆历重宝Regular script1041–1048Renzong
Zhi he Tong Bao至和通寶至和通宝Regular script, Seal script1054–1055Renzong
Zhi he Yuan Bao至和元寶至和元宝Regular script, Seal script1054–1055Renzong
Zhi he Zhong Bao至和重寶至和重宝Regular script, Seal script1054–1055Renzong
Jia You Tong Bao嘉祐通寶嘉祐通宝Regular script, Seal script1056–1063Renzong
Jia You Yuan Bao嘉祐元寶嘉祐元宝Regular script, Seal script1056–1063Renzong
Zhi Ping Tong Bao治平通寶治平通宝Regular script, Seal script1064–1067Yingzong
Zhi Ping Yuan Bao治平元寶治平元宝Regular script, Seal script1064–1067Yingzong
Xi Ning Tong Bao熙寧通寶熙宁通宝Regular script, Seal script1068–1077Shenzong
Xi Ning Yuan Bao熙寧元寶熙宁元宝Regular script, Seal script1068–1077Shenzong
Xi Ning Zhong Bao熙寧重寶熙宁重宝Regular script, Seal script1068–1077Shenzong
Yuan Feng Tong Bao元豐通寶元丰通宝Regular script, Seal script, Running script1078–1085Shenzong
Yuan You Tong Bao元祐通寶元祐通宝Seal script, Running script[62]1086–1094Zhezong
Shao Sheng Tong Bao紹聖通寶绍圣通宝Regular script, Seal script, Running script1094–1098Zhezong
Shao Sheng Yuan Bao紹聖元寶绍圣元宝Regular script, Seal script, Running script1094–1098Zhezong
Yuan Fu Tong Bao元符通寶元符通宝Regular script, Seal script, Running script1098–1100Zhezong
Jian Guo Tong Bao[lower-alpha 13]建國通寶建国通宝Regular script, Seal script1101Huizong
Sheng Song Tong Bao聖宋通寶圣宋通宝Regular script, Seal script1101–1106Huizong
Sheng Song Yuan Bao聖宋元寶圣宋元宝Clerical script, Seal script, Running script[63]1101–1106Huizong
Chong Ning Tong Bao崇寧通寶崇宁通宝Regular script1102–1106Huizong
Chong Ning Yuan Bao崇寧元寶崇宁元宝Regular script1102–1106Huizong
Chong Ning Zhong Bao崇寧重寶崇宁重宝Regular script1102–1106Huizong
Da Guan Tong Bao大觀通寶大观通宝Regular script1107–1110Huizong
Zheng He Tong Bao政和通寶政和通宝Regular script, Seal script1111–1117Huizong
Chong He Tong Bao重和通寶重和通宝Regular script, Seal script1118–1119Huizong
Xuan He Tong Bao宣和通寶宣和通宝Regular script, Seal script1119–1125Huizong
Xuan He Yuan Bao宣和元寶宣和元宝Regular script, Seal script1119–1125Huizong
Jing Kang Tong Bao靖康通寶靖康通宝Regular script, Seal script1126–1127Qinzong
Jing Kang Yuan Bao靖康元寶靖康元宝Regular script, Seal script1126–1127Qinzong

Sui ethnic minority during the Northern Song dynasty

In 2004 a coin produced by the Sui people of Guizhou was discovered dating to the Northern Song dynasty most likely produced between 1008 and 1016, this coin had the inscription dà zhōng xiáng fú (大中祥符) on one side and the word "wealth" written in Sui script on the other side, as this is the only known coin produced by the Sui people it established that they don't have a numismatic tradition like the Han Chinese have.[64][65][66]

InscriptionTraditional ChineseYears of productionEmperorImage
Dazhong Xiangfu大中祥符1008–1016Zhenzong

Great Shu Kingdom

In the year 993 a group of tea farmers and landless tenant farmers under the leadership if Wang Xiaobo rebelled against the Northern Song dynasty, in the year 994 after Wang Xiaobo died his brother-in-law Li Shun proclaimed himself to be the "King of the Great Shu Kingdom" (大蜀王, dà shǔ wáng) in Chengdu after he captured the city ("Shu" being an archaic name for Sichuan). Li Shun was defeated and killed in the year 995. During his period he used the reign era and produced cash coins with this "Yingyun" (應運, yìng yùn) inscription while after his death his former subordinates used the Yinggan (應感) inscription.[67][68][69]

List of cash coins issued by the Great Shu Kingdom:[70][71]

InscriptionTraditional ChineseSimplified ChineseKingImage
Yingyun Tongbao應運通寶应运通宝Li Shun (李顺)
Yingyun Yuanbao應運元寶应运元宝Li Shun (李顺)
Yinggan Tongbao應感通寶应感通宝None

Southern Song dynasty

Under the Southern Song dynasty it became customary to add the date of issue on the reverse of the coin and as copper shortages and phenomena known as "currency famines" (錢荒) plagued the land both iron cash coins and paper money (in the form of Jiaozi, Guanzi, and Huizi notes) became more common leading to a decline of the production of bronze coinage.

List of cash coins produced by the Southern Song dynasty:[1][3]

InscriptionTraditional ChineseSimplified ChineseScriptsPeriod mintedEmperorImage
Jianyan Tongbao建炎通寶建炎通宝Regular script, Seal script1127–1130Gaozong
Jianyan Yuanbao建炎元寶建炎元宝Regular script, Seal script1127–1130Gaozong
Jianyan Zhongbao建炎重寶建炎重宝Seal script1127–1130Gaozong
Shaoxing Tongbao紹興通寶绍兴通宝Regular script, Seal script1131–1162Gaozong
Shaoxing Yuanbao紹興元寶绍兴元宝Regular script1131–1162Gaozong
Longxing Tongbao隆興通寶隆兴通宝Regular script, Seal script1163–1164Xiaozong
Longxing Yuanbao隆興元寶隆兴元宝Regular script, Seal script1163–1164Xiaozong
Qiandao Tongbao乾道通寶干道通宝Regular script1165–1173Xiaozong
Qiandao Yuanbao乾道元寶干道元宝Regular script1165–1173Xiaozong
Chunxi Tongbao淳熙通寶淳熙通宝Regular script1174–1189Xiaozong
Chunxi Yuanbao淳熙元寶淳熙元宝Regular script, Seal script1174–1189Xiaozong
Shaoxi Tongbao紹熙通寶绍熙通宝Regular script, Seal script1190–1194Guangzong
Shaoxi Yuanbao紹熙元寶绍熙元宝Regular script, Seal script1190–1194Guangzong
Qingyuan Tongbao慶元通寶庆元通宝Regular script1195–1200Ningzong
Qingyuan Yuanbao慶元元寶庆元元宝Regular script1195–1200Ningzong
Jiatai Tongbao嘉泰通寶嘉泰通宝Regular script1201–1204Ningzong
Jiatai Yuanbao嘉泰元寶嘉泰元宝Regular script1201–1204Ningzong
Kaixi Tongbao開禧通寶开禧通宝Regular script1205–1207Ningzong
Kaixi Yuanbao開禧元寶开禧元宝Regular script1205–1207Ningzong
Shengsong Yuanbao聖宋元寶圣宋元宝Regular script1210Ningzong
Shengsong Zhongbao聖宋重寶圣宋重宝Regular script1210Ningzong
Jiading Tongbao嘉定通寶嘉定通宝Regular script1208–1224Ningzong
Jiading Zhongbao嘉定重寶嘉定重宝Regular script, seal script1208–1224Ningzong
Jiading Yuanbao嘉定元寶嘉定元宝Regular script1208–1224Ningzong
Jiading Dabao嘉定大寶嘉定大宝Regular script1208–1224Ningzong
Jiading Chongbao嘉定崇寶嘉定崇宝Regular script1208–1224Ningzong
Jiading Quanbao嘉定全寶嘉定全宝Regular script1208–1224Ningzong
Jiading Yongbao嘉定永寶嘉定永宝Regular script1208–1224Ningzong
Jiading Zhenbao嘉定真寶嘉定真宝Regular script1208–1224Ningzong
Jiading Xinbao嘉定新寶嘉定新宝Regular script1208–1224Ningzong
Jiading Anbao嘉定安寶嘉定安宝Regular script1208–1224Ningzong
Jiading Longbao嘉定隆寶嘉定隆宝Regular script1208–1224Ningzong
Jiading Quanbao嘉定泉寶嘉定泉宝Regular script1208–1224Ningzong
Jiading Zhengbao嘉定正寶嘉定正宝Regular script1208–1224Ningzong
Jiading Hongbao嘉定洪寶嘉定洪宝Regular script1208–1224Ningzong
Jiading Wanbao嘉定万寶嘉定万宝Regular script1208–1224Ningzong
Jiading Zhibao嘉定之寶嘉定之宝Regular script1208–1224Ningzong
Jiading Zhenbao嘉定珍寶嘉定珍宝Regular script1208–1224Ningzong
Jiading Xingbao嘉定興寶嘉定兴宝Regular script1208–1224Ningzong
Jiading Yongbao[72]嘉定用寶嘉定用宝Regular script1208–1224Ningzong
Jiading Zhibao嘉定至寶嘉定至宝Regular script1208–1224Ningzong
Jiading Fengbao嘉定封寶嘉定封宝Regular script1208–1224Ningzong
Baoqing Yuanbao寶慶元寶宝庆元宝Regular script1225–1227Lizong
Dasong Tongbao大宋通寶大宋通宝Regular script1225Lizong
Dasong Yuanbao大宋元寶大宋元宝Regular script1225–1227Lizong
Shaoding Tongbao紹定通寶绍定通宝Regular script1228–1233Lizong
Shaoding Yuanbao紹定元寶绍定元宝Regular script1228–1233Lizong
Duanping Tongbao端平通寶端平通宝Regular script1234–1236Lizong
Duanping Yuanbao端平元寶端平元宝Regular script1234–1236Lizong
Duanping Zhongbao端平重寶端平重宝Regular script1234–1236Lizong
Jiaxi Tongbao嘉熙通寶嘉熙通宝Regular script1237–1240Lizong
Jiaxi Zhongbao嘉熙重寶嘉熙重宝Regular script1237–1240Lizong
Chunyou Tongbao淳祐通寶淳祐通宝Regular script1241–1252Lizong
Chunyou Yuanbao淳祐元寶淳祐元宝Regular script1241–1252Lizong
Huangsong Yuanbao皇宋元寶皇宋元宝Regular script1253–1258Lizong
Kaiqing Tongbao開慶通寶开庆通宝Regular script1259Lizong
Jingding Yuanbao景定元寶景定元宝Regular script1260–1264Lizong
Xianchun Yuanbao咸淳元寶咸淳元宝Regular script1265–1274Duzong

The Southern Song dynasty General Liu Guangshi (劉光世) also cast special cash coins with the inscription "Zhaona Xinbao" (招納信寶) to recruit Jin soldiers and allow them to defect to the Song Army,[73][74][75] however these weren't meant for circulation.[76]

Northern Liao dynasty

A number of cash coins were reported to have the reign titles of Northern Liao dynasty emperors, however as no historical records mention them the authenticity of these coins has been called into question.

List of cash coins presumably issued by the Khitan Northern Liao dynasty:[77][78][79][80]

InscriptionTraditional ChineseSimplified ChineseYears of productionEmperorImage
Jianfu Yuanbao建福元寳建福元宝1122Xuanzong
Dexing Tongbao德興通寳德兴通宝1122–1123Yelü Yali
Dexing Yuanbao德興元寳德兴元宝1122–1123Yelü Yali
Shenli Tongbao神曆通寳神历通宝1123Yingzong
Shenli Yuanbao神曆元寳神历元宝1123Yingzong

Western Liao dynasty (Qara Khitai Khanate)

In November 2008, October 2010, and February 2011 three specimens of cash coins produced by the Qara Khitai Khanate were unearthed in Kyrgyzstan, the first specimen of these cash coins were initially thought to bear the inscription "Jixing Yuanbao" (績興元寳) but after the second one was unearthed its inscription was better understood.[81]

InscriptionTraditional ChineseSimplified ChineseHanyu PinyinPresumed years of productionPresumed KhanImage
Xuxing Yuanbao續興元寳续兴元宝xù xìng yuán bǎo1150-1164Yelü Yilie

Western Xia dynasty

The Tangut Western Xia dynasty produced both cash coins with Chinese and Tangut inscriptions.[82][83][84] Despite issuing coins the economy of the Tangut Empire mostly relied on barter which is why Western Xia era coins today are rare.

With Tangut inscriptions

Coins with Tangut inscriptions:[85][86][lower-alpha 14]

Inscription
(Tangut)
Inscription
(Mandarin)
Traditional ChineseSimplified ChineseYears of castingEmperorImage
śjɨj ljo ljɨ̣ dzjɨj (𗼃𗼕𘏨𘔭)Fu Sheng Bao Qian福聖寶錢福圣宝钱1053–1056Yizong
tha nej ljɨ̣ dzjɨj (𘜶𗵐𘏨𘔭)Da An Bao Qian大安寶錢大安宝钱1074–1084Huizong
tśhja bio̲ ljɨ̣ dzjɨj (𗣼𘝯𘏨𘔭)Zhen Guan Bao Qian貞觀寶錢贞观宝钱1101–1113Chongzong
tśhja mji̲ ljɨ̣ dzjɨj (𗣼𘇚𘏨𘔭)Zheng De Bao Qian正德寶錢正德宝钱1127–1134Chongzong
tshjwu ꞏwu ljɨ̣ dzjɨj (𘀗𘑨𘏨𘔭)Qian You Bao Qian乾祐寶錢乾祐宝钱1170–1193Renzong
ŋwər ljwu ljɨ̣ dzjɨj (𘓺𘅝𘏨𘔭)Tian Qing Bao Qian天慶寶錢天庆宝钱1194–1206Huanzong

With Chinese inscriptions

InscriptionTraditional ChineseSimplified ChineseScriptYears of castingEmperorImage
Da An Tong Bao大安通寶大安通宝Clerical script1074–1084Huizong
Yuan De Tong Bao元德通寶元德通宝Clerical script1119–1126Chongzong
Da De Tong Bao大德通寶大德通宝Regular script1135–1139Chongzong
Tian Sheng Yuan Bao天盛元寶天盛元宝Regular script1149–1169Renzong
Qian You Yuan Bao乾祐元寶乾祐元宝Regular script, Semi-cursive script, Seal script[87][88]1170–1193Renzong
Tian Qing Yuan Bao天慶元寶天庆元宝Regular script1194–1206Huanzong
Huang Jian Yuan Bao皇建元寶皇建元宝Regular script1210–1211Xiangzong
Guang Ding Yuan Bao光定元寶光定元宝Semi-cursive script, Seal script1211–1223Shenzong

Jin dynasty (1115–1234)

Cash coins produced by the Jurchen Jin dynasty compared to earlier Liao dynasty coinage are both of higher quality, and quantity; this is because the Jurchens chose to model their coins more closely after the Song's both in production as superficially in its calligraphic style.

List of cash coins produced by the Jurchen Jin dynasty:[1][3]

InscriptionTraditional ChineseSimplified ChineseScriptsYears of mintingEmperorImage
Zheng Long Yuan Bao正隆元寶正隆元宝Regular script1158–1161Wanyan Liang
Da Ding Tong Bao大定通寶大定通宝Regular script1178–1189Shizong
Tai He Tong Bao泰和通寶泰和通宝Regular script1204–1209Zhangzong
Tai He Zhong Bao泰和重寶泰和重宝Regular script, Seal script1204–1209Zhangzong
Chong Qing Tong Bao崇慶通寶崇庆通宝Regular script1212–1213Wanyan Yongji
Chong Qing Yuan Bao崇慶元寶崇庆元宝Regular script1212–1213Wanyan Yongji
Zhi Ning Yuan Bao至寧元寶至宁元宝Regular script1213Wanyan Yongji
Zhen You Tong Bao貞祐通寶贞祐通宝Regular script1213–1216Xuanzong
Zhen You Yuan Bao貞祐元寶贞祐元宝Regular script1213–1216Xuanzong

Li Pobei

During a Jurchen invasion that occurred in November 1125, Li Pobei (李婆備) took advantage of this situation and rebelled against the Northern Song dynasty. He is known to have cast cash coins with the inscription "Taiping Tongbao" (太平通寶).[89]

InscriptionTraditional ChineseSimplified ChineseDenominationsYears of productionLeaderImage
Taiping Tongbao太平通寶太平通宝1 wén, 2 wén, 5 wén1127–1130Li Pobei

Great Qi dynasty

In 1130 during the Jin–Song Wars the Jin dynasty had set up a second puppet state called “Da Qi” (after the failed first puppet state, Da Chu), this puppet state briefly produced its own coins until it was defeated by the Song in 1137.[90][91]

Coins produced by the brief Jurchen vassal state include:

InscriptionTraditional ChineseSimplified ChineseScriptEmperorImage
Fu Chang Tong Bao阜昌通寶阜昌通宝Regular script, Seal scriptLiu Yu
Fu Chang Yuan Bao阜昌元寶阜昌元宝Regular script, Seal scriptLiu Yu
Fu Chang Zhong Bao阜昌重寶阜昌重宝Regular script, Seal scriptLiu Yu

Eastern Xia dynasty

During a coin hoard in the Russian Far East in 2011 seven cash coins were discovered that bore an inscription which was previously unknown, these coins bore a title alluding to a rebel state that was founded during the Mongol conquest of the Jin dynasty.

List of cash coins issued by the Jurchen Eastern Xia dynasty:[92][93]

InscriptionTraditional ChineseSimplified ChineseHanyu PinyinPresumed years of productionHeavenly KingImage
Dongzhen Xingbao東眞興寶东真兴宝dōng zhēn xìng bǎo1215–1233Puxian Wannu

Mongol Empire (prior to the establishment of the Yuan dynasty)

Cash coins issued by the Mongols before 1230:[94]

Obverse inscription
(Romanisation)
ReverseNotesImage
大朝通寶
(Dachao Tongbao)
Unknown

Arabic characters

This coins was possibly cast between 1206 and 1227 in Karakorum by Genghis Khan as "大朝" was a name the Mongols gave themselves.
The coin is mostly found made from silver although copper variants exist.
大朝金合
(Dachao Jinhe)
BlankThe attribution of this coins to the Mongols is doubtful as the name "大朝" was used by various countries that bordered China. This coin was first mentioned in the Record of Coins which was published around 1094.
Peng Xinwei attributes this coin to the Liao dynasty.
支鈔半分
(Zhichao Banfen)
BlankZhichao Banfen (支鈔半分) could be translated as "Exchange for paper money half a fen [of silver]".
The inscription could alternatively read Jiaochao Banfen (交鈔半分).

Cash coins issued by the Mongol Empire while it occupied Jin dynasty territory (circa 1230–1280):[94]

Obverse inscription
(Romanisation)
ReverseNotesImage
大觀通寶
(Daguan Tongbao)
BlankThis cash coins has rather broad rims.
大觀通寶
(Daguan Tongbao)

(Zhong)
The "中" is written in seal script and is above the square center hole on the reverse.
大觀通寶
(Daguan Tongbao)
半錢
(Ban Qian)
The reverse inscription indicates that this cash coin had a nominal value of half a qián of silver.
大觀通寶
(Daguan Tongbao)
BlankThis is a cash coin of diminutive size with the Chinese character "觀" written in an imperfect way.
大觀通寶
(Daguan Tongbao)
Dot patternThe reverse of this coin is completely covered with dots.
大觀通寶
(Daguan Tongbao)
BlankThe inscription is written in a very barbarous manner.

Yuan dynasty

Under Mongol rule paper money such as the Jiaochao completely replaced copper coinage, during times of inflation Temple coins issued by Buddhist temples became the de facto currency. Under Külüg Khan a large number of cash coins were issued to pay for the state's expenditures but these got phased out in favour of paper currency, it wasn't until the reign of Toghon Temür that the Mongols attempted to produce cash coins at a large scale again.

List of cash coins issued by the Mongols during Yuan dynasty:[95][96][lower-alpha 15]

InscriptionTraditional ChineseScriptKhagan
(Mongolian name)
Emperor
(Mandarin Chinese name)
Image
Zhongtong Yuanbao中統元寶Chinese script (Regular script and Seal script), Mongol scriptKublai KhanShìzǔ ()
Zhiyuan Tongbao至元通寶Chinese script, 'Phags-pa scriptKublai KhanShìzǔ (世祖)
Yuanzhen Tongbao元貞通寶Chinese script, 'Phags-pa scriptTemür KhanChéngzōng ()
Yuanzhen Yuanbao元貞元寶Chinese script, Mongol scriptTemür KhanChéngzōng (成宗)
Dade Tongbao大德通寶Chinese script, 'Phags-pa script, Mongol scriptTemür KhanChéngzōng (成宗)
Zhida Tongbao至大通寶Chinese script, 'Phags-pa script, Mongol scriptKülüg KhanWǔzōng ()
Zhida Yuanbao至大元寶Chinese scriptKülüg KhanWǔzōng (武宗)
Dayuan Tongbao大元通寶Chinese script, 'Phags-pa script, Mongol scriptKülüg KhanWǔzōng (武宗)
Huangqing Yuanbao皇慶元寶Chinese scriptAyurbarwada Buyantu KhanRénzōng ()
Yanyou Tongbao延祐通寶Chinese scriptAyurbarwada Buyantu KhanRénzōng (仁宗)
Yanyou Yuanbao延祐元寶Chinese scriptAyurbarwada Buyantu KhanRénzōng (仁宗)
Zhizhi Tongbao至治通寶Chinese scriptGegeen KhanYīngzōng ()
Zhizhi Yuanbao至治元寶Chinese scriptGegeen KhanYīngzōng (英宗)
Taiding Tongbao泰定通寶Chinese scriptYesün TemürJìnzōng ()
Taiding Yuanbao泰定元寶Chinese scriptYesün TemürJìnzōng (晉宗)
Zhihe Yuanbao致和元寶Chinese scriptYesün TemürJìnzōng (晉宗)
Tianli Yuanbao天曆元寶Chinese scriptJayaatu Khan Tugh TemürWénzōng ()
Zhishun Yuanbao至順元寶Chinese scriptJayaatu Khan Tugh TemürWénzōng (文宗)
Yuantong Yuanbao元統元寶Chinese scriptToghon TemürHuìzōng ()
Zhiyuan Tongbao至元通寶Chinese script, Mongol script, Uighur script, Jurchen script, Tangut script[97]Toghon TemürHuìzōng (惠宗)
Zhiyuan Yuanbao至元元寶Chinese scriptToghon TemürHuìzōng (惠宗)
Muqing Tongbao穆清銅寶Chinese scriptToghon TemürHuìzōng (惠宗)
Zhizheng Tongbao至正通寶Chinese script, 'Phags-pa script, Mongol scriptToghon TemürHuìzōng (惠宗)
Zhizheng Zhibao至正之寶Chinese scriptToghon TemürHuìzōng (惠宗)

Rebels of the Yuan dynasty

During the Red Turban rebellion organised by the White Lotus society; many of its leaders proclaimed their own kingdoms and empires that ruled over different regions of China, the most successful of these was Zhu Yuanzhang's Ming dynasty which would unify China. Though the majority of these countries were short-lived some did produce their own coinage.[98]

InscriptionTraditional ChineseSimplified ChineseDenominationsYears of mintageMonarchRebel factionImage
Longfeng Tongbao龍鳳通寶龙凤通宝1, 2文, 3文, 5文1355–1366Han Lin’er (韓林兒)Early Red Turban rebellion
Tianyou Tongbao天祐通寶天祐通宝1文, 2文, 3文, 5文1354–1357Zhang Shicheng (張士誠)Kingdom of Great(er) Zhou (大周)
Tianqi Tongbao天啟通寶天启通宝1文, 2文, 3文1358Xu Shouhui (徐壽輝)Tianwan (天完)
Tianding Tongbao天定通寶天定通宝1文, 2文, 3文1359–1360Xu Shouhui (徐壽輝)Tianwan (天完)
Dayi Tongbao大義通寶大义通宝1文, 2文, 3文1360–1361Chen Youliang (陳友諒)Kingdom of Dahan (大漢)

Ming dynasty

Under the Ming dynasty the policy of predominantly using paper money (such as the Da Ming Baochao banknotes) which was started under the Mongols would continue until 1505 when Spanish dollars and other silver coins became the dominant currency. Native production of cash coins had ceased between 1375 and 1376, from 1387 until 1379, from 1393 (as paper money superseded cast coinage completely) until 1433, and finally from 1435 until 1503.[99]

Yongle Tongbao cash coins were mostly cast for foreign trade.

From the Ming dynasty onwards only period titles were used for coin inscriptions and these period titles would (usually) remain constant throughout the reign of an Emperor.[2][1]

InscriptionTraditional ChineseSimplified ChineseYears of productionEmperorImage
Dazhong Tongbao大中通寶大中通宝1361–1393Zhu Yuanzhang
Hongwu Tongbao洪武通寶洪武通宝1367–1393Hongwu Emperor
Yongle Tongbao永樂通寶永乐通宝1408–1424Yongle Emperor
Xuande Tongbao宣德通寶宣德通宝1426–1435Xuande Emperor
Hongzhi Tongbao弘治通寶弘治通宝1488–1505Hongzhi Emperor
Jiajing Tongbao嘉靖通寶嘉靖通宝1527–1567Jiajing Emperor
Jiajing Anbao嘉靖安寶嘉靖安宝1527–1567Jiajing Emperor
Longqing Tongbao隆慶通寶隆庆通宝1570–1572Longqing Emperor
Wanli Tongbao萬曆通寶万历通宝1572–1620Wanli Emperor
Wanli Nianzao[100]萬曆年造万历年造1572–1620Wanli Emperor
Taichang Tongbao泰昌通寶泰昌通宝1620Taichang Emperor
Tianqi Tongbao天啟通寶天启通宝1620–1627Tianqi Emperor
Chongzhen Tongbao崇禎通寶崇祯通宝1628–1644Chongzhen Emperor

Note that under the reign of the Zhengde Emperor no copper-alloy cash coins were minted however a very large number of Zhengde Tongbao (正德通寶) coin amulets exist, the production of these coin-like amulets started from the late Ming dynasty period and these amulets are still being produced today.

Guizhou local issues

During the Hongzhi period from 1488 until 1505 some Tribal Commissioners in the province of Guizhou issued their own cash coins, rather than being bases on reign titles the inscriptions were based on place names.[101][102]

InscriptionTraditional ChineseSimplified ChineseEmperorImage
Shuiguan Tongbao水官通寶水官通宝Hongzhi Emperor
Taiguan Tongbao太官通寶太官通宝Hongzhi Emperor
Huoguan Tongbao火官通寶火官通宝Hongzhi Emperor
Dading Tongbao大定通寶大定通宝Hongzhi Emperor
Taiding Tongbao太定通寶太定通宝Hongzhi Emperor
Taizi Tongbao太子通寶太子通宝Hongzhi Emperor

Yunnan local issues

Under the Ming dynasty the territory which used to belong to the Dali Kingdom cast their own coins, these cash coins were issued in the province of Yunnan under the reign of the Hongzhi Emperor and are known to be of poor workmanship and crude casting, it is often unknown if these cash coins were cast by the Bai people in Dali, the Hmong tribes living in the area, or one of the many other tribes that live in Yunnan as records of their casting weren't bring kept.[103] Many of these cash coins were also cast by using regular cash coins as "mother coins" which explains their rather crude appearances.

These Yunnan local issue cash coins include:[104][105][106][107]

InscriptionTraditional ChineseSimplified ChineseEmperorImage
Huoping Xinbao火平信寶火平信宝Hongzhi Emperor
Hongwu Tongbao洪武通寶洪武通宝Hongzhi Emperor
Hongzhi Tongbao弘治通寶弘治通宝Hongzhi Emperor
Taiping Tongbao太平通寶太平通宝Hongzhi Emperor
Dazhou Tongbao大周通寶大周通宝Hongzhi Emperor
Kaiyuan Tongbao開元通寶开元通宝Hongzhi Emperor

Ming-Qing transitional period

This is a list of cash coins produced during the transition from Ming to Qing.

Southern Ming dynasty

List of cash coins produced by the Southern Ming dynasty:[108][109]

InscriptionTraditional ChineseSimplified ChineseYears of productionEmperorImage
Hongguang Tongbao弘光通寶弘光通宝1644–1645Hongguang Emperor
Daming Tongbao大明通寶大明通宝1644–1646Zhu Changfang
Longwu Tongbao隆武通寶隆武通宝1645–1646Longwu Emperor
Yongli Tongbao永曆通寶永历通宝1646–1659Yongli Emperor

Kingdom of Tungning (Taiwan)

Under Koxinga the Kingdom of Tungning (which was a state loyal to the Southern Ming dynasty) had ordered Yongli Tongbao cash coins to be produced (presumably) in Nagasaki, these coins circulated exclusively in Taiwan. The production of these coins lasted until 1682.[110]

InscriptionTraditional ChineseSimplified ChineseYears of productionKingsImage
Yongli Tongbao永曆通寶永历通宝1651–1682All

Rebels

InscriptionTraditional ChineseSimplified ChineseYears of productionMonarchImage
Yongchang Tongbao永昌通寶永昌通宝1644–1645Li Zicheng
Dashun Tongbao[111][112]大順通寶大顺通宝1644–1647Zhang Xianzhong
Xiwang Shanggong[113]西王賞功西王赏功1644–1647Zhang Xianzhong
Xingchao Tongbao[114]興朝通寶兴朝通宝1648–1657Sun Kewang[115]
Yumin Tongbao裕民通寶裕民通宝1674–1676Geng Jingzhong
Liyong Tongbao利用通寶利用通宝1674–1678Wu Sangui
Zhaowu Tongbao昭武通寶昭武通宝1678Wu Sangui
Honghua Tongbao洪化通寶洪化通宝1679–1681Wu Shifan

Later Jin dynasty (1616–1636)

The following coins were issued by the Jurchens (later Manchus) before the establishment of the Qing dynasty, these coins were cast when the Jurchen state was known as the Later Jin dynasty:[116][117][118]

InscriptionLatin scriptDenominationsYears of mintageKhanImage
ᠠᠪᡴᠠᡳ
ᡶᡠᠯᡳᠩᡤᠠ
ᡥᠠᠨ
ᠵᡳᡴᠠ
Abkai fulingga han jiha1 wén1616–1626Abkai fulingga Khan
天命通寳Tiān Mìng Tōng Bǎo1 wén1616–1626Abkai fulingga Khan
ᠰᡠᡵᡝ
ᡥᠠᠨ
ᠨᡳ
ᠵᡳᡴᠠ
Sure han ni jiha10 wén1627–1643Sure Khan

A cash coin with the inscription "Tiancong Tongbao" (天聰通寳) reported to be in the denominations of 1 wén and 10 wén has also been attributed to Hong Taiji, however the authenticity of this coin is doubtful.[119]

Qing dynasty

Qing dynasty era cash coins generally bear the reign title of the Emperor in Chinese characters, with only a single change of reign title occurring with the Qixiang Emperor becoming the Tongzhi Emperor by decision of his mother, Empress Dowager Cixi.[1][120][121]

InscriptionTraditional ChineseSimplified ChineseHànyǔ PīnyīnDenominationsYears of mintageImageEmperor
Shunzhi Tongbao順治通寶顺治通宝shùn zhì tōng bǎo1 wén1643–1661Shunzhi Emperor
Kangxi Tongbao康熙通寶康熙通宝kāng xī tōng bǎo1 wén1661–1722Kangxi Emperor
Yongzheng Tongbao雍正通寶雍正通宝yōng zhèng tōng bǎo1 wén1722–1735Yongzheng Emperor
Qianlong Tongbao乾隆通寶乾隆通宝qián lóng tōng bǎo1 wén, 10 wén1735–1796 (1912)[lower-alpha 16]Qianlong Emperor
Jiaqing Tongbao嘉慶通寶嘉庆通宝jiā qìng tōng bǎo1 wén1796–1820Jiaqing Emperor
Daoguang Tongbao道光通寶道光通宝dào guāng tōng bǎo1 wén, 5 wén, 10 wén1820–1850Daoguang Emperor
Xianfeng Tongbao咸豐通寶咸丰通宝xián fēng tōng bǎo1 wén, 5 wén, 10 wén, 50 wén, 100 wén1850–1861Xianfeng Emperor
Xianfeng Zhongbao咸豐重寶咸丰重宝xián fēng zhòng bǎo4 wén, 5 wén, 8 wén, 10 wén, 20 wén, 30 wén, 40 wén, 50 wén, 100 wén1850–1861Xianfeng Emperor
Xianfeng Yuanbao咸豐元寶咸丰元宝xián fēng yuán bǎo80 wén, 100 wén, 200 wén, 300 wén, 500 wén, 1000 wén1850–1861Xianfeng Emperor
Qixiang Tongbao祺祥通寶祺祥通宝qí xiáng tōng bǎo1 wén1861Tongzhi Emperor
Qixiang Zhongbao祺祥重寶祺祥重宝qí xiáng zhòng bǎo10 wén1861Tongzhi Emperor
Tongzhi Tongbao同治通寶同治通宝tóng zhì tōng bǎo1 wén, 5 wén, 10 wén1862–1875Tongzhi Emperor
Tongzhi Zhongbao同治重寶同治重宝tóng zhì zhòng bǎo4 wén, 10 wén1862–1875Tongzhi Emperor
Guangxu Tongbao光緒通寶光绪通宝guāng xù tōng bǎo1 wén, 10 wén1875–1908Guangxu Emperor
Guangxu Zhongbao光緒重寶光绪重宝guāng xù zhòng bǎo5 wén, 10 wén1875–1908Guangxu Emperor
Xuantong Tongbao宣統通寶宣统通宝xuān tǒng tōng bǎo1 wén, 10 wén1909–1911Xuantong Emperor

Xinjiang issues

Certain parts of Xinjiang under Qing rule had a monetary system separate from that was separate from that of China proper, this was largely due to the fact that the area which formerly belonged to Dzungaria paid with pūl coins which were made from almost pure copper, when some these pūl coins were melted down to make "red cash coins" the pūl-system was essentially continued and 1 "red cash coin" had a value of 10 regular cash coins. Another differentiating feature of Xinjiang as a whole was that under the Jiaqing Emperor it was ordered that 1 in 5 coins produced in Xinjiang should bear the inscription Qianlong Tongbao (乾隆通寶) to honour the Qianlong Emperor, and celebrate his conquest of the region. New obverse inscriptions were introduced by the Kucha mint during the early twentieth century however the production of "red cash coins" with these new inscriptions didn't last very long as they featured only two different dates from the Chinese cyclical calendar during the Guangxu era and the Kucha mint closed in 1909.

The following "red cash coins" with new inscriptions were produced by the Kucha mint in Xinjiang:[122][123]

InscriptionTraditional ChineseSimplified ChineseDenominationsYears of mintageEmperorImage
Guangxu Dingwei光緒丁未光绪丁未10 wén1907Guangxu Emperor
Guangxu Wushen光緒戊申光绪戊申10 wén1908Guangxu Emperor

Rashidin Khan Khoja

During the Dungan revolt from 1862 to 1877, Sultan Rashidin Khan Khoja proclaimed a Jihad against the Qing dynasty in 1862, he issued Chinese-style cash coins minted at the Aksu and Kucha mints with exclusive Arabic inscriptions.[124][125]

Obverse inscription
(Romanised)
Reverse inscription
(Romanised)
SultanMintYears of productionImage
سيد غازي راشدين خان
(Sayyid Ghazi Rashidin Khan)
زرب دار السلطانات كوجا
(Zarb dar al-Sultanat Kuqa)
Rashidin Khan KhojaKucha1864–1865
سيد غازي راشدين خان
(Sayyid Ghazi Rashidin Khan)[lower-alpha 17]
زرب دار السلطانات كوجا
(Zarb dar al-Sultanat Kuqa)
Rashidin Khan KhojaKucha1865–1867
سيد غازي راشدين خان
(Sayyid Ghazi Rashidin Khan)
زرب دار السلطانات أقسو
(Zarb dar al-Sultanat Aqsu)
Rashidin Khan KhojaAksu1864–1867

Taiping Heavenly Kingdom

In 1850 the Taiping Rebellion was started by the head of the God worshippers Hong Xiuquan who founded the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom, this rebellion lasted until 1864. Although very little documentation exists about the coinage manufactured by the Taiping rebels, it is known that in June 1853 the occupying Taiping rebels ordered copper workers in Tianjing (present day Nanjing) with the skills to cast coins to open new furnaces for the production of cash coins with the inscription Tianguo Shengbao that were reported to be "the size of foreign coins" (Mexican pesos), these coins were reported to be of very poor workmanship and their production was quickly discontinued and although no coins fitting this description are extend it is known that Taiping rebels in other areas and provinces did cast coinage.

The following cash coins are known to have been cast by the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom:[126]

Obverse inscription
(Romanised)
Reverse inscription
(Romanised)
DenominationsYears of productionImage
天囯
(Tianguo)
通寳
(Tongbao)
10 wén1853–1855
天囯
(Tianguo)
聖寶
(Shengbao)
10 wén1856–1860
天囯聖寶
(Tianguo Shengbao)
太平
(Taiping)
1 wén1858–1864
天囯聖寶
(Tianguo Shengbao)
5 wén1850s
太平天囯
(Taiping Tianguo)
聖寶
(Shengbao)
1 wén, 5 wén, 10 wén, 50 wén1860–1862
天囯太平
(Tianguo Taiping)
聖寶
(Shengbao)
1 wén1861–1864
太平聖寶
(Taiping Shengbao)
天囯
(Tianguo)
1 wén, 5 wén1861–1864
太平聖宝
(Taiping Shengbao)[2]
天囯
(Tianguo)
1860s
太平
(Taiping)[127][lower-alpha 18]
聖寶
(Shengbao)
1860s

Heaven and Earth Society, Shanghai Small Swords Society, and other secret societies during the Taiping rebellion

At the time of the Taiping rebellion a large number of secret societies such as the Heaven and Earth Society took advantage of the chaos and started to flourish, these secret societies all claimed to want to overthrow the Qing dynasty and restore the Ming dynasty, for this reason many of the coins cast by these secret societies contain hidden messages such as some of them containing characters from the reign titles of Ming dynasty emperors.[128]

Shanghai Small Swords Society

The Shanghai Small Swords Society under the leadership of Liu Lichuan seized control of the city of Shanghai in September 1853 and awarded themselves the period title of "Tianyun" (天運), as Shanghai had a lot of gold and silver but not much cash coins the rebels confiscated all scrap copper they could find and this was all cast into cash coins with the inscription "Taiping Tongbao" (太平通寶) on the obverse and a sun and a crescent on the reverse, the sun (日) and moon (月) symbolised their intent on restoring the Ming (明). As merchants who traded with Shanghai entered the Qing those found carrying cash coins issued by rebels were arrested and put on trial and after a few were executed the Shanghai Small Swords society decided that these coins were essentially useless and decided to cast coins based on the Xianfeng reign title.[129]

Obverse inscription
(Romanised)
Reverse inscription
(Romanised)
Calligraphic styleYears of productionImage
太平通寶
(Taiping Tongbao)
Northern Song era Li script1854–1855
太平通寶
(Taiping Tongbao)
Crescent (moon) above.
明 (Ming) below.
Northern Song era Li script1854–1855
太平通寶
(Taiping Tongbao)
Sun (circle) above,
Crescent (moon) below.
Contemporary regular script1854–1855
太平通寶
(Taiping Tongbao)
ᠪᠣᠣ
ᠶᡡᠨ

(Boo Yūn)
Contemporary regular script1854–1855

Other secret societies

Obverse inscription
(Romanised)
Reverse inscription
(Romanised)
Years of productionSecret societyImage
太平通寶
(Taiping Tongbao)

(Wen) above.
1858–1864Small Sword and Heaven and Earth Societies (天地會)
太平通寶
(Taiping Tongbao)

(Wen) sideways right.
1858–1864Small Sword and Heaven and Earth Societies (天地會)
開元通寶
(Kaiyuan Tongbao)

(Wu) above.
1858–1864Small Sword and Heaven and Earth Societies (天地會)
開元通寶
(Kaiyuan Tongbao)

(Wu) sideways right.
1858–1864Small Sword and Heaven and Earth Societies (天地會)
天朝通寶
(Tianchao Tongbao)

(Yong) above.
1858–1864Small Sword and Heaven and Earth Societies (天地會)
天朝通寶
(Tianchao Tongbao)

(Yong) upside down below.
1858–1864Small Sword and Heaven and Earth Societies (天地會)
黃帝通寶
(Huangdi Tongbao)

(Sheng) above.
1858–1864Small Sword and Heaven and Earth Societies (天地會)
黃帝通寶
(Huangdi Tongbao)

(Sheng) sideways right.
1858–1864Small Sword and Heaven and Earth Societies (天地會)
黃帝通寶
(Huangdi Tongbao)
ᠪᠣᠣ
(Boo Zhe)
1858–1864Small Sword and Heaven and Earth Societies (天地會)
義記金錢
(Yiji Jinqian)[130][131]
Two intertwined lozenges on the right and left side.1858–1863Small Sword and Heaven and Earth Societies (天地會)
義記金錢
(Yiji Jinqian)
The Chinese character "離" () above and two intertwined lozenges on the right and left side.1858–1863Small Sword and Heaven and Earth Societies (天地會)
義記金錢
(Yiji Jinqian)[132]
震忠團練
(Zhenzhong Tuanlian)
1858–1863Small Sword and Heaven and Earth Societies (天地會)
明道通寶
(Mingdao Tongbao)

(Tian)
1850sThe Triad Society (三合會)

Other contemporary rebellions

Other than secret societies several other rebellions cast their own coinages contemporary to the Taiping rebellion, in Guizhou the rebel Zhang Baoshan who claimed descent from the Hongwu Emperor is said by David Hartill to have cast the Sitong Tongbao (嗣統通寶) cash coins according to two references. Li Wenmao who was the leader of the Triad Society in the province of Guangdong proclaimed half to be "the King who shall restore peace" (平靖王) in March 1857 but his rebellion got suppressed by the Qing in 1858. The coinage cast by Li Wenmao often contains the character "勝" (victory or to vanquish) which is often found in lodges of Tiandihui groups creating the inscription "勝寶" (victorious treasure or vanquishing treasure), meanwhile as the guerilla tactics of the Guangdong Triad relied on having their forces be divided into a "left flank", "right flank", "middle flank", "front flank", and "rear flank" this is reflected in the reverse inscriptions of the coins cast by this rebellion as "营" (garrison or camp) is accompanied by which flank the garrison belonged to.[133]

Obverse inscription
(Romanised)
Reverse inscription
(Romanised)
Years of productionRebel leaderImage
平靖通寶
(Pingjing Tongbao)

(Zhong) in seal script on the right.
1857–1858Li Wenmao (李文茂)
平靖勝寶
(Pingjing Shengbao)
中营
(Zhongying)
1857–1858Li Wenmao (李文茂)
平靖勝寶
(Pingjing Shengbao)
前营
(Qianying)
1857–1858Li Wenmao (李文茂)
平靖勝寶
(Pingjing Shengbao)
後营
(Houying)
1857–1858Li Wenmao (李文茂)
平靖勝寶
(Pingjing Shengbao)
左营
(Zuoying)
1857–1858Li Wenmao (李文茂)
平靖勝寶
(Pingjing Shengbao)
右营
(Youying)
1857–1858Li Wenmao (李文茂)
平靖勝寶
(Pingjing Shengbao)
御林軍
(Yulinjun)
1857–1858Li Wenmao (李文茂)
平靖勝寶
(Pingjing Shengbao)
長勝軍
(Changshengjun)
1857–1858Li Wenmao (李文茂)
嗣統通寶
(Sitong Tongbao)
1860–1863Zhang Baoshan (張保山)

Republic of China

Chinese cash coins continued to be produced into the first year of the Republic of China until their production was completely phased out in 1912. A large number of trial coins were also cast, however these weren't ever officially issued.

The following cash coins were cast during the Republic of China in 1912:[134]

Inscription
(Obverse,
Reverse)
Traditional Chinese
(Obverse,
Reverse)
Simplified Chinese
(Obverse,
Reverse)
Issuing officeImage
Fujian Tongbao,
1 cash
福建通寶,
一文
福建通宝,
一文
Fujian province
Fujian Tongbao,
2 cash
福建通寶,
二文
福建通宝,
二文
Fujian province
Minguo Tongbao,
Dongchuan
民國通寶,
東川
民国通宝,
东川
Dongchuan, Yunnan
Minguo Tongbao,
10 cash
民國通寶,
當十
民国通宝,
当十
Dongchuan, Yunnan

See also

Notes

  1. A version of this coin exists with the inscription reversed.
  2. A version of this coin exists with the inscription reversed.
  3. "Yuan Fa" (圜法) was a contemporary term for early round coinage.
  4. As this was the first coin with a square hole this could be considered to be the first "true" Chinese cash coin. This inscription was formerly read as "Yi Dao" (一刀, "one knife"). A version exists where the inscription is reversed, and one where the character "吉" (, "auspicious") is on its reverse side.
  5. The "Liu" (六) was formerly read as "Bao" (寶, "treasure").
  6. Could alternatively be read as "兩錙".
  7. Some historical records state that San Zhu cash coins were produced between 140 BC until 136 BC.
  8. A "goose eye" variant of ghe Tai Ping Bai Qian where the "Qian" (錢) is abbreviated as "Jin" (金).
  9. This is presumed based on archeological evidence.
  10. This is the first recorded use of a period title on a Chinese cash coin.
  11. Only one specimen of this cash coin is known to exist.
  12. A rare variety of this cash coin has its inscription written in Nine-fold seal script (九叠篆) which was a style of Chinese calligraphy used during this period that was usually only reserved for official Song dynasty seals.
  13. These cash coins were cast to celebrate the period title of Jian Zhing Jing Guo which was considered too long to use as an inscription and these cash coins were not made for general circulation. The Jian Guo Tong Bao is notably made from white copper.
  14. The transliterations are those from Tangutologist Li Fanwen, as opposed to David Hartill's usage "Lee Ndzen" and similar phonetics which are common in the numismatics community.
  15. Chinese, and 'Phags-pa scripts would generally appear on the obverse of these coins, while Mongol script would appear on the reverse and would serve as a mint mark (and in one instance the Jurchen, Uighur, and Tangut scripts); Kublai Khan's Zhong Tong Yuan Bao (中統元寶) was the only coin that contained Seal script, all other Chinese inscriptions during the Mongol period were written in regular script
  16. In Xinjiang coins bearing the inscription Qián Lóng Tōng Bǎo (乾隆通寶) continued to be produced until the fall of the Qing dynasty to commemorate the regions annexation under the Qianlong Emperor, 1 in every 5 coins cast in Xinjiang bear this inscription regardless of era.
  17. The characters on this series are larger than the previous one which featured rather small Arabic writing.
  18. These are perhaps the rarest of all cash coins issued by the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom.

References

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Sources

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