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1 Cash - Bình Nam Thông Bảo
| Issuer | Đàng Ngoài |
|---|---|
| Year | 1572-1623 |
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| Value | Log in to see details |
| Currency | Cash (1572-1786) |
| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Obverse description | Cast bronze cash coin featuring a central square perforation surrounded by four Chinese characters arranged in cruciform reading order: 平 (top), 南 (bottom), 通 (right), 寶 (left), forming the legend 'Bình Nam Thông Bảo' (Peaceful South Circulating Treasure). The characters are rendered in standard script (kaishu) within a plain inner rim, with a raised outer rim encircling the flat field. The surfaces display the characteristically uneven texture of sand-cast production, with patination consistent with age. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Log in to see details |
| Obverse lettering | 平 南 通 寶 |
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| Additional information |
Đàng Ngoài — the "Outer Domain" — was not a dynasty but a factional rump state controlled by the Trịnh lords, who governed in the name of the Lê emperors while holding the actual reins of power. The Bình Nam Thông Bảo inscription translates roughly as "peaceful south circulating treasure," a pointed political slogan issued during the period of active warfare against the Nguyễn lords in the south. The coin's name was propaganda as much as currency.
The Trịnh-Nguyễn split formalized around 1600, making the dating window of this type — straddling that rupture — historically loaded.