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1 Cash - Chongzhen Tongbao, northern type
| Issuer | Empire of China |
|---|---|
| Year | 1630-1644 |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | Log in to see details |
| Currency | Log in to see details |
| Composition | Log in to see details |
| Weight | 4.05 g |
| Diameter | Log in to see details |
| Thickness | Log in to see details |
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| Technique | Log in to see details |
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| Engraver(s) | Log in to see details |
| In circulation to | Log in to see details |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Chinese (traditional, regular script) |
| Obverse lettering | 崇 寶 通 禎 (Translation: Chong Zhen Tong Bao Chongzhen (Emperor) / Universal currency) |
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| Additional information |
The Chongzhen Emperor's reign saw coin production descend into administrative chaos. Facing simultaneous pressure from Li Zicheng's rebel armies in the north and the encroaching Manchu forces beyond the Great Wall, the Ming treasury authorized an expanding roster of provincial mints to supplement Beijing output — quality and alloy consistency collapsed almost immediately as a result. Northern-type cash from this period circulated against a backdrop of currency debasement so severe that private casting flourished openly.
Chongzhen hanged himself on Coal Hill in April 1644 as Li Zicheng's forces entered the capital, ending both the reign and Ming currency production simultaneously.