1 Cash - Chongzhen Tongbao, northern type, Xin

The Board of Revenue Mint in Beijing operated under extraordinary pressure during the Chongzhen reign — the final years of the Ming dynasty, collapsing under simultaneous pressure from Li Zicheng's rebel forces advancing from the north and the Manchu Qing armies pressing through the passes. Cash production accelerated as the court desperately needed funds, and quality control deteriorated accordingly. Many issues from this mint show crude casting and inconsistent alloy, a direct reflection of the foundry conditions in a capital under existential threat.

The "Xin" (新) board designation identifies this as a northern mint product, distinguishing it from the Board of Works issues struck concurrently. Chongzhen hanged himself on Coal Hill in 1644 as Li Zicheng entered Beijing, ending the dynasty and, abruptly, this mint's operations.