1 Cash - Daoguang Tongbao, Boo-san

Uitgever Empire of China
Jaar 1821-1850
Type Standard circulation coin
Waarde 1 Cash
Valuta Cash (621-1912)
Samenstelling Brass
Gewicht 4.6 g
Diameter 24 mm
Dikte
Vorm Round with a square hole
Techniek Cast
Oriëntatie Medal alignment ↑↑
Graveur(s)
In omloop tot
Referentie(s) Hartill#22.628, FD#2393, Schjoth#1520
Beschrijving voorzijde Four Chinese ideograms read top to bottom, right to left.
Schrift voorzijde Chinese (traditional, regular script)
Opschrift voorzijde  道 寶 通  光
(Translation: Dao Guang Tong Bao Daoguang (Emperor) / Universal currency)
Beschrijving keerzijde Two Manchu words (read vertically) separated by the hole.
Schrift keerzijde Mongolian / Manchu
Opschrift keerzijde ᠪᠣᠣ ᠰᠠᠨ
(Translation: Boo-san)
Rand Smooth.
Muntplaats
Oplage ND (1821-1822) - Hartill#22.628: Small San; large Guang -
ND (1823-1831) - Hartill#22.629: Small San; small Guang -
ND (1842-1850) - Hartill#22.630: Large San -
Numisquare-ID 6299974440
Aanvullende informatie

Historical Context: The 1 Cash Daoguang Tongbao, Boo-san, dates to Emperor Daoguang's reign (1821-1850), a pivotal era of accelerating Qing Dynasty decline. This period saw significant internal unrest and external pressures, including the First Opium War (1839-1842), often leading to variable coinage quality and weight. The "Boo-san" (寶泉) inscription identifies the Board of Revenue mint in Beijing, a central facility producing vast quantities of essential circulating treasures for daily commerce.

Artistry: This coin exemplifies the traditional Chinese calligraphic aesthetic, prioritizing clarity and balance of its inscribed characters. Individual engravers are not typically recorded for these mass-produced cast issues; instead, the artistry reflects standardized imperial script and the skill of master die carvers. The obverse features "Daoguang Tongbao" (道光通寶) in regular script, while the reverse displays the Manchu "Boo-san" (寶泉), denoting the mint of origin and underscoring Qing's dual linguistic heritage.

Technical/Grading: Optimal preservation for this cast brass 1 Cash coin is marked by sharp definition of the four obverse "Daoguang Tongbao" characters and the two reverse Manchu "Boo-san" characters, especially their inner strokes. Key grading high-points include crispness of both inner and outer rims, often weak or irregular from casting. A well-defined central square hole, free from significant casting flash, and a smooth planchet surface without excessive pitting or major flaws, are critical indicators of quality.

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