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1 Cash - Xuanhe Yuanbao, Clerical script
| Issuer | Northern Song Dynasty |
|---|---|
| Year | 1119-1125 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
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| 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 | 宣 寶 和 元 (Translation: Xuan He Yuan Bao Xuanhe (6th era of Huizong, 1119-1125) / Original currency) |
| Reverse description | Reverse is plain and unadorned, featuring a central square hole framed by a raised square inner rim, surrounded by a broad, flat field with no inscription, mint mark, or decorative element. The outer raised rim is continuous and even. The surface exhibits a natural patina consistent with cast bronze coinage of the Northern Song period. |
| Reverse script | Log in to see details |
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| Additional information |
Xuanhe was the final reign period of Emperor Huizong, a ruler far better remembered as a painter and calligrapher than as a political administrator. His court's preoccupation with aesthetics extended to coin production — Huizong is credited with personally contributing calligraphic styles to coin inscriptions during his reign, an unusual degree of imperial involvement in mint design. The Northern Song collapsed almost immediately after this issue ceased production, with the Jurchen Jin invasion of 1127 capturing Huizong himself, who died in captivity in 1135.
The clerical script variety is catalogued separately from the slender gold and running script versions, reflecting how actively Huizong's administration varied inscription styles across a single reign period.