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| Emissor | Liao dynasty |
|---|---|
| Ano | 983-1011 |
| Tipo | Standard circulation coin |
| Valor | 1 Cash |
| Moeda | Cash (916-1120) |
| Composição | Bronze |
| Peso | 4.06 g |
| Diâmetro | 24 mm |
| Espessura | 1.4 mm |
| Formato | Round with a square hole |
| Técnica | Cast |
| Orientação | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Gravador(es) | |
| Em circulação até | |
| Referência(s) | Hartill#18.6, FD#1617 |
| Descrição do anverso | Four Chinese ideograms read clockwise. |
|---|---|
| Escrita do anverso | Chinese (traditional, regular script) |
| Legenda do anverso |
統 寶 和 元 (Translation: Tong He Yuan Bao Tonghe (2nd era of Shengzong, 983-1012) / Original currency) |
| Descrição do reverso | Blank (uniface). |
| Escrita do reverso | |
| Legenda do reverso | |
| Bordo | Smooth. |
| Casa da moeda | |
| Tiragem |
ND (983-1011) - Hartill#18.6: Small characters (not touching the rim); regular Yuan - ND (983-1011) - Hartill#18.7: Small characters (not touching the rims); left-shoulder Yuan - ND (983-1011) - Hartill#18.9: Large characters (touching the rims) - |
| ID Numisquare | 1182930900 |
| Informações adicionais |
Historical Context: This 1 Cash coin, the Tonghe Yuanbao, was issued by the Liao dynasty during the Tonghe era (983-1011), under Emperor Shengzong (Yelü Longxu). Shengzong’s reign marked a zenith for the Khitan-led empire, characterized by military expansion and administrative consolidation. The issuance of this coinage reflects the Liao's robust economy and assertion of an independent imperial identity, despite adopting Chinese numismatic conventions, serving as a crucial medium of exchange within a powerful state.
Artistry: While specific engravers are unrecorded for Liao coinage, the Tonghe Yuanbao adheres to the broader Chinese cash coin stylistic school, featuring a square central hole and calligraphic inscriptions. The obverse displays the reign title "Tonghe Yuanbao" (通和元寶) in clear regular script (kai shu), read top-bottom, right-left. Liao issues often exhibit a distinct, slightly bolder aesthetic compared to contemporary Song dynasty coinage, reflecting a unique Khitan interpretation within the established Han Chinese numismatic tradition. The reverse is typically blank.
Technical/Grading: Cast in bronze, this 1 Cash coin measures approximately 24mm and weighs 4.06 grams, consistent with standard Liao issues. High-quality examples exhibit sharply defined characters with clear stroke separation and well-formed inner and outer rims. As with many cast coins, strike quality varies; superior examples show minimal casting flaws, an even planchet, and a strong, centered strike. The bronze composition often develops an attractive, stable patina over centuries, a key factor in grading and aesthetic appeal.