1 Cash - Daoguang Tongbao, Ili, with dot

Historical Context: This 1 Cash Daoguang Tongbao, Ili mint, was issued during the Daoguang Emperor's reign (1820-1850). This era marked a critical juncture for the Qing Dynasty, characterized by internal unrest, the Opium Wars, and increasing Western encroachment. Coinage from distant provincial mints like Ili underscored the vast, yet challenged, territorial reach of the Qing empire, maintaining economic stability in crucial frontier regions.

Artistry: The design adheres to traditional Chinese cash coinage, featuring "Daoguang Tongbao" (道光通寶) on the obverse, rendered in a standard calligraphic style. Specific engravers are unrecorded, with the stylistic school emphasizing clarity. The reverse typically denotes the mint, Ili (伊犁), often in Manchu script. The distinguishing "dot" (Hartill#22.659) is a critical privy mark, likely indicating a specific workshop or production batch within the Ili mint.

Technical/Grading: Struck in copper, 25mm diameter, this coin was produced using traditional sand-casting methods. Consequently, strike quality varies significantly, often exhibiting weaker character details, especially Manchu script if present, and potential casting flaws like pitting or uneven rims. High-points for wear assessment include the raised characters and outer rim. The clarity of the "dot" privy mark is paramount for proper identification and grading, defining this specific Hartill reference.