1 Cash - Tonghe Yuanbao

发行方 Liao dynasty
年份 983-1011
类型 Standard circulation coin
面值 1 Cash
货币 Cash (916-1120)
材质 Bronze
重量 4.06 g
直径 24 mm
厚度 1.4 mm
形状 Round with a square hole
制作工艺 Cast
方向 Medal alignment ↑↑
雕刻师
流通至
参考资料 Hartill#18.6, FD#1617
正面描述 Four Chinese ideograms read clockwise.
正面文字 Chinese (traditional, regular script)
正面铭文  統 寶 和  元
(Translation: Tong He Yuan Bao Tonghe (2nd era of Shengzong, 983-1012) / Original currency)
背面描述 Blank (uniface).
背面文字
背面铭文
边缘 Smooth.
铸币厂
铸造量 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) -
Numisquare 编号 1182930900
附加信息

Historical Context: The Tonghe Yuanbao 1 Cash coin was issued by the Liao dynasty during Emperor Shengzong's Tonghe era (983-1011). This period marked a zenith of Liao power and cultural consolidation, preceding the Treaty of Chanyuan. The Khitan-led empire adopted Chinese-style coinage, reflecting engagement with Han culture. This bronze issue (4.06g, 24mm) served as a fundamental monetary unit, facilitating trade across their vast domain and symbolizing dynastic stability.

Artistry: The Tonghe Yuanbao reflects characteristic Liao numismatic style. Engravers remain anonymous, but the obverse inscription's calligraphy—"Tonghe Yuanbao" (top-bottom, right-left)—is robust and forceful. It exhibits a distinctive vigor, often less delicate than contemporary Northern Song issues, yet possessing a unique Khitan strength in its brushwork. Characters are typically well-formed, adhering to standard Chinese scripts but with a broader, more substantial presentation, indicative of the era's prevalent calligraphic school. No individual artist signatures are known.

Technical/Grading: Critical points for grading include sharpness and clarity of the four characters, especially intricate radicals of "Tong" (統) and "He" (和), often weak from casting imperfections. Inner and outer rim integrity is paramount; strong, well-defined rims without significant voids or breaks are highly desirable. Planchet quality (casting flaws, pits, unevenness) significantly impacts grade. A well-centered strike, uniform thickness, and an attractive, stable patina free from active corrosion are crucial for higher-grade examples of this Hartill#18.6 type.

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