Catalog
| Issuer | Empire of China |
|---|---|
| Year | 1630-1644 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 1 Cash |
| Currency | Cash (621-1912) |
| Composition | Brass |
| Weight | |
| Diameter | 24 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round with a square hole |
| Technique | Cast |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | Hartill#20.334, Schjoth#1274 |
| Obverse description | Four Chinese ideograms read top to bottom, right to left. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Chinese (traditional, regular script) |
| Obverse lettering |
崇 寶 通 禎 (Translation: Chong Zhen Tong Bao Chongzhen (Emperor) / Universal currency) |
| Reverse description | One Chinese ideogram above. |
| Reverse script | Chinese (traditional, regular script) |
| Reverse lettering |
秊 (Translation: Ji Last (of series)) |
| Edge | Smooth. |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
ND (1630-1644) - - |
| Numisquare ID | 1007103100 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: This 1 Cash Chongzhen Tongbao, southern type with Ji, was issued during the tumultuous reign of the Chongzhen Emperor (1627-1644), the last Ming ruler. Minted 1630-1644, it represents a period of extreme internal instability, marked by widespread peasant rebellions, economic collapse, and relentless Manchu incursions. The "southern type" often indicates regional minting, reflecting the empire's fragmentation and desperation. The "Ji" character likely denotes a specific mint or regional authority.
Artistry: Consistent with traditional Chinese cash coinage, its artistry lies primarily in the calligraphic inscription. The obverse features the reign title "Chongzhen Tongbao" (崇禎通寶) in regular script (kai shu). While engravers are unknown, the "southern type" often exhibits a less refined, yet distinct, calligraphic style compared to earlier imperial issues. The reverse bears the single character "Ji" (吉), a common late Ming mint mark or regional identifier.
Technical/Grading: As a cast coin, its technical qualities are assessed by character clarity, rim sharpness, and planchet integrity. High-points include radical definition within "Chongzhen" and "Tongbao," and the crispness of the "Ji" character. "Southern type" issues frequently display varying casting quality, sometimes exhibiting minor flaws, unevenness, or less precise finishing compared to centrally controlled productions, yet a well-preserved example will show clear legends and an intact form.