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1 Cash - Hongwu Tongbao, Yu
| Issuer | Ministry of Revenue, Ming Dynasty |
|---|---|
| Year | 1368-1393 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
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| Currency | Log in to see details |
| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Diameter | Log in to see details |
| Thickness | Log in to see details |
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| In circulation to | Log in to see details |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Log in to see details |
| Obverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Reverse description | The reverse features a plain, flat field with a central square perforation, flanked by the single mint mark character 豫 (Yù) to the right of the hole, identifying the Henan Provincial Mint. The character is rendered in regular script, bold and clearly struck. The raised inner and outer rims are present and consistent with standard Ming Dynasty casting practice. The surface displays a green patina with areas of encrustation characteristic of excavated or long-circulated bronze cash. |
| Reverse script | Log in to see details |
| Reverse lettering | 豫 (Translation: Yu Henan (mint)) |
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| Additional information |
The Hongwu reign opened with a deliberate rejection of paper currency — a remarkable stance given that the Yuan dynasty had built its entire monetary system on it. Within a decade, Zhu Yuanzhang reversed course and mandated the Da Ming Tongxing Baochao notes, actively suppressing copper cash to force paper adoption. Coins bearing this inscription were effectively demonetized by imperial decree in 1375, making the earlier bronze issues survivors of a sharp policy reversal rather than the product of any sustained minting program.
The "Yu" mint mark denotes Henan province. Hartill records considerable variation in calligraphic style across provincial outputs for this type.