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1 Cash - Tiancheng Yuanbao
| Issuer | Empire of China |
|---|---|
| Year | 926-930 |
| 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 |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Log in to see details |
| Obverse lettering | 天 寶 成 元 (Translation: Tian Cheng Yuan Bao Tiancheng (1st era of Li Siyuan, 926-930) / Original currency) |
| Reverse description | The reverse is uniface, presenting a plain, unadorned field surrounding the central square hole. A raised border rim encircles the coin, consistent with the casting technique employed during the Five Dynasties period. No legends, symbols, mint marks, or decorative elements are present. The surface shows patination consistent with genuine bronze cash coinage of the Later Tang dynasty. |
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| Additional information |
Tiancheng was the reign title of Emperor Mingzong of Later Tang, who seized power in 926 after orchestrating the murder of his adoptive brother Li Cunxu — the dynasty's founder. The Later Tang was the most stable of the Five Dynasties, but that is a low bar; the entire period saw nine dynasties collapse across fifty-three years. Hartill 15.2 distinguishes this type by the specific clerical-script rendering of the characters, a detail that separates it from contemporary imitations produced by competing regional powers who had little incentive to wait for central mint authorization.