1 Cash - Yongli Tongbao, Gong

Historical Context:This Yongli Tongbao (永曆通寶) 1 Cash coin was issued during the Yongli Emperor's reign (1646-1659), the last significant Southern Ming claimant. His era marked a desperate struggle against the Qing dynasty. Struck in southern provinces, these coins were vital currency for his dwindling court, symbolizing defiant resistance. The "Gong" (工) on the reverse typically denotes a specific provincial mint, likely Guangxi or Guizhou, highlighting the decentralized, urgent nature of its production amidst political instability.

Artistry:The obverse features "Yongli Tongbao" in standard script (Kai Shu), common for Ming cash. Its execution often reflects hurried, decentralized production, with calligraphy varying in refinement compared to earlier imperial issues. The reverse displays "Gong" (工) above the central square hole, serving as the primary artistic identifier. The design prioritizes functional legibility over elaborate embellishment, characteristic of coinage produced under wartime exigencies, not imperial grandeur.

Technical/Grading:Cast in brass, this coin typically weighs 3.87 grams and measures 25 millimeters; minor variations are common due to casting. Key areas for assessing strike quality and wear include the clarity of the "Yongli Tongbao" characters and the "Gong" mint mark. High points susceptible to wear are the raised character strokes and the inner/outer rims. Collectors anticipate common casting flaws like weak strikes, planchet irregularities, incomplete characters, reflecting challenging production conditions. Patina varies from light brown to dark green.