1 Cash - Xianfeng Tongbao Boo-fu, Replica

Historical Context: The original Xianfeng Tongbao series was issued during the tumultuous reign of Emperor Xianfeng (1850-1861) of the Qing Dynasty. This era was marked by severe internal rebellions, notably the Taiping Rebellion, and external conflicts like the Second Opium War. Profound financial strain led to diverse cash coin denominations, often with fluctuating metallic content, to fund military expenditures. The "Boo-fu" mint mark on the reverse identifies the original coin as originating from the Fuzhou mint.

Artistry: The design adheres to the traditional Chinese cash coin format, featuring a square central hole. The obverse displays the reign title "Xianfeng Tongbao" (咸豐通寶) in standard Kai script, read top-to-bottom, then right-to-left. This calligraphic style, though generally consistent, showed minor variations. The reverse features Manchu characters, "Boo" (ᠪᠣᠣ) to the left and "fu" (ᡶᡠ) to the right, signifying the Fuzhou mint and reflecting the Qing imperial house's Manchu origins.

Technical/Grading: Identified as a modern replica from the People's Republic of China, this item is not an original Qing Dynasty issue. Its technical specifications are Brass composition, weighing 1.83 grams, and measuring 24.3 millimeters in diameter. While original Xianfeng cash coins varied, its dimensions align with a common small cash coin size. As a reproduction, its "grade" pertains to the fidelity of its strike in replicating the original's design elements and consistency of its modern manufacturing, rather than traditional numismatic wear.