1 Cash - Guangzheng Tongbao, iron

The Later Shu was the second of two unrelated kingdoms to use that name during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period — a detail that trips up even experienced collectors. This iron cash was produced under Meng Chang, the last ruler of Later Shu, whose kingdom in the Sichuan basin maintained relative stability while much of China fractured. Iron coinage was a practical necessity given the chronic copper shortages in the region; Sichuan would continue issuing iron cash well into the Song dynasty for the same reason.

Meng Chang surrendered to Song forces in 965, ending the kingdom entirely. The currency window for this type is narrow.