Catalog
| Issuer | Pre-Islamic kingdoms |
|---|---|
| Year | 976-1050 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 1 Cash |
| Currency | Srivijaya |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 2.49 g |
| Diameter | 22 mm |
| Thickness | 1 mm |
| Shape | Round with a square hole |
| Technique | |
| Orientation | |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) |
| Obverse description | Four Chinese ideograms, read from top to bottom, right to left. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | |
| Obverse lettering |
太 寶 通 宝 (Translation: Tai Ping Tong Bao (`universal currency of the Taiping era`)) |
| Reverse description | Blank. |
| Reverse script | |
| Reverse lettering | |
| Edge | Plain |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
ND (976-1050) - Palembang mint - |
| Numisquare ID | 2412689940 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: This bronze 1 Cash coin, dated 976-1050, originates from the Palembang mint of the powerful Srivijaya Empire, known in Chinese records as Sanfotsi. Its inscription, "Taiping Sanfotsi," uniquely combines the Chinese "Taiping" (太平) era name, referencing the Northern Song Dynasty (976-984 AD), with the local designation for Srivijaya. This artifact underscores Srivijaya's significant maritime trade and profound cultural and economic interactions with Imperial China.
Artistry: While no specific engraver is recorded, the coin's design reflects the prevalent stylistic influence of contemporary Chinese coinage. Local Srivijayan artisans, working within the Palembang mint, adapted the Chinese Regular Script (Kaishu) for the characters. The obverse prominently displays "Taiping" (太平) and "Sanfotsi," forming a clear statement of identity and legitimacy, albeit with a foreign-inspired monetary lexicon. The arrangement of these four characters is typical for cash coins.
Technical/Grading: Cast in bronze, this 2.49-gram, 22mm coin typically exhibits characteristics of ancient casting techniques. High-points for wear analysis are primarily the raised strokes of the characters and the outer rim. Due to the casting process, variations in strike quality are common, including uneven planchets, minor casting flaws, and variable sharpness of the legends. Collectors seek examples with well-defined characters and minimal corrosion, which significantly impact the coin's overall grade.