Catálogo
| Emisor | Southern Tang Kingdom |
|---|---|
| Año | 959-961 |
| Tipo | Standard circulation coin |
| Valor | 1/2 Cash |
| Moneda | Cash (937-976) |
| Composición | Bronze |
| Peso | 1.42 g |
| Diámetro | 19 mm |
| Grosor | 1.0 mm |
| Forma | Round with a square hole |
| Técnica | Cast |
| Orientación | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Grabador(es) | |
| En circulación hasta | |
| Referencia(s) | Hartill#15.90, FD#817, Schjoth#444 |
| Descripción del anverso | Four Chinese ideograms read top to bottom, right to left. |
|---|---|
| Escritura del anverso | Chinese (traditional, clerical script) |
| Leyenda del anverso |
唐 寶 通 國 (Translation: Tang Guo Tong Bao Tang Kingdom / Universal currency) |
| Descripción del reverso | Blank (uniface). |
| Escritura del reverso | |
| Leyenda del reverso | |
| Canto | Smooth. |
| Casa de moneda | |
| Tirada |
ND (959-961) - Hartill# 15.87; regular - ND (959-961) - Hartill# 15.90; small coin - |
| ID de Numisquare | 1290627450 |
| Información adicional |
Historical Context: This 1/2 Cash Tangguo Tongbao, in Clerical script, originates from the Southern Tang Kingdom (959-961 CE), a period within China's Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms era. Issued under Emperor Li Jing (Zhongzhu) and possibly Li Yu's early reign, it signifies relative cultural and economic stability amidst political fragmentation. The 'Tangguo' inscription asserts the kingdom's identity, and the 1/2 Cash denomination reflects a practical need for smaller transactional units in a complex economy.
Artistry: The coin's aesthetic distinction stems from its exquisite calligraphy. The obverse displays "Tangguo Tongbao" (唐國通寶) in elegant Clerical script (Lishu). While the engraver is unnamed, typical for ancient Chinese coinage, the script exemplifies a refined stylistic school. Its measured, angular yet flowing strokes underscore the Southern Tang's reputation as a cultural and artistic hub, distinguishing its coinage from more rudimentary issues. The reverse typically remains unadorned.
Technical/Grading: At 19 mm and 1.42 grams of bronze, this coin reflects the casting proficiency of Southern Tang mints. Critical grading aspects include the sharpness and clarity of the Clerical script characters, particularly their serifs and stroke endings. Premium examples feature a well-formed central square hole, a smooth planchet devoid of significant casting flaws like sand holes, and crisp inner and outer rims, all indicative of superior mold quality and meticulous casting.