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1 Cash - Qiantong Yuanbao
| Issuer | Liao dynasty |
|---|---|
| Year | 1101-1110 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
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| Obverse description | Cast bronze cash coin featuring four Chinese characters arranged in clockwise reading order around a central square perforation, rendered in regular script (kaishu). The characters 乾統元寶 (Qiantong Yuanbao) occupy the four cardinal fields, each separated by the raised inner rim surrounding the square hole. The outer rim is broad and slightly raised, enclosing the legend within a well-defined border. The fields show the characteristic texture of sand-cast production typical of Liao dynasty coinage. |
|---|---|
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| Reverse description | Plain reverse (uniface), featuring only the raised inner rim framing the central square perforation and a broad outer rim. The flat field between the rims is undecorated and bears no inscription or design, consistent with standard Liao dynasty cash coinage practice. Surface shows natural patination typical of cast bronze. |
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| Additional information |
The Qiántǒng reign period (1101–1110) belonged to Emperor Tiānzuò, the last ruler of the Liao dynasty, who would preside over its collapse under Jurchen Jin pressure just over a decade after this coinage began. The dynasty fell in 1125. Coins of this reign were struck against a backdrop of accelerating military crisis, with Liao territorial control fragmenting steadily throughout the period.
Hartill notes this type is relatively scarce compared to earlier Liao issues — unsurprising given the contracting administrative reach of the dynasty during these years.