Catalog
Why register? Just to keep bots out of our catalog. Your email stays private - we will never share it or send you anything uninvited. We guarantee you that!
| Issuer | Later Jin dynasty |
|---|---|
| Year | 1616-1625 |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | Log in to see details |
| Currency | Log in to see details |
| Composition | Brass |
| Weight | Log in to see details |
| Diameter | Log in to see details |
| Thickness | Log in to see details |
| Shape | Log in to see details |
| Technique | Log in to see details |
| Orientation | Log in to see details |
| Engraver(s) | Log in to see details |
| In circulation to | Log in to see details |
| Reference(s) | Log in to see details |
| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Chinese (traditional, regular script) |
| Obverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Reverse description | Plain reverse field with a central square perforation enclosed by a raised square rim (inner rim), itself surrounded by a broad flat field and a raised outer rim. No inscriptions, symbols, or decorative elements are present; the surface displays the characteristic granular texture of a cast brass coin with areas of green patination. |
| Reverse script | Log in to see details |
| Reverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Edge | Log in to see details |
| Mint | Log in to see details |
| Mintage | Log in to see details |
| Additional information |
The Tianming Tongbao was among the first coinage issued by Nurhaci after he proclaimed the Later Jin state in 1616, marking a deliberate assertion of political legitimacy through the act of minting — a practice carrying deep institutional weight in Chinese tradition. The reign title Tianming, "Heaven's Mandate," was itself a pointed claim. Nurhaci had spent decades consolidating Jurchen tribes against Ming authority before feeling confident enough to issue coin.
Relatively few examples circulated widely; the early Jin economy remained heavily dependent on barter and silk exchange. Most specimens found today come from hoards in Liaoning province.