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1 Cash - Hongwu Tongbao, Bei Ping
| Issuer | Ming Dynasty Imperial Mint |
|---|---|
| Year | 1368-1393 |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | 1 Cash |
| Currency | Log in to see details |
| Composition | Log in to see details |
| Weight | Log in to see details |
| Diameter | Log in to see details |
| Thickness | Log in to see details |
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| Technique | Log in to see details |
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| Engraver(s) | Log in to see details |
| In circulation to | Log in to see details |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
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| Obverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Reverse description | Central square perforation with a raised square inner rim, flanked by two Chinese characters in regular script (kaishu) positioned above the hole in the upper field: 北平 (Bei Ping), denoting the Beiping mint. The remainder of the reverse field is plain and unadorned, bounded by a raised outer rim. The casting is typical of early Ming provincial mint production, with moderately raised relief characters against a flat, undecorated surface. |
| Reverse script | Log in to see details |
| Reverse lettering | 北平 (Translation: Bei Ping — Beiping (mint)) |
| Edge | Log in to see details |
| Mint | Log in to see details |
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| Additional information |
The Hongwu emperor founded the Ming Dynasty after driving out the Mongol Yuan, and his approach to coinage reflected deep suspicion of the paper money system that had destabilized the preceding regime. Ironically, he reinstated paper currency himself in 1375 and actively suppressed bronze cash circulation for much of his reign — making mint output from this period administratively erratic.
The Bei Ping mint designation places this piece among the northern provincial issues. Bei Ping, meaning "pacified north," was the name given to the former Yuan capital before the Yongle emperor renamed it Beijing in 1403.