1 Cash - Zhaowu Tongbao, Regular script

Émetteur Great Zhou dynasty
Année 1678
Type Standard circulation coin
Valeur 1 Cash
Devise Cash (1674-1681)
Composition Bronze
Poids 4.57 g
Diamètre 24 mm
Épaisseur
Forme Round with a square hole
Technique Cast
Orientation Medal alignment ↑↑
Graveur(s)
En circulation jusqu’à
Référence(s) Hartill#21.105, FD#2158, Schjoth#1345
Description de l’avers Four Chinese ideograms read top to bottom, right to left.
Écriture de l’avers Chinese (traditional, regular script)
Légende de l’avers  昭 寶 通  武
(Translation: Zhao Wu Tong Bao Zhaowu (era of Wu Sangui, 1678) / Universal currency)
Description du revers Blank (uniface).
Écriture du revers
Légende du revers
Tranche Smooth.
Atelier
Tirage ND (1678) - Hartill#21.105: Tong with closed head and two dots (Yunnan Mint) -
ND (1678) - Hartill#21.107: Tong with closed head and one dot; dot of Wu above (Hunan Mint) -
ND (1678) - Hartill#21.108: Tong with closed head and one dot; dot of Wu below (Hunan Mint) -
ND (1678) - Hartill#21.109: Tong with open head (Guizhou Mint) -
ID Numisquare 1753408120
Informations supplémentaires

Historical Context: The 1 Cash Zhaowu Tongbao, dated 1678, is a pivotal numismatic artifact from the Great Zhou dynasty, a short-lived imperial claim by Wu Sangui. Wu Sangui, a former Ming general, rebelled against the Qing Kangxi Emperor in the Revolt of the Three Feudatories. In 1678, he declared himself Emperor of the Great Zhou, adopting the reign title Zhaowu, shortly before his death. This coin symbolizes a critical challenge to Qing authority and the fragmented sovereignty of the era.

Artistry: The Zhaowu Tongbao adheres to traditional Chinese cash coin aesthetics, primarily featuring calligraphic art. The obverse displays "Zhaowu Tongbao" (昭武通寶) rendered in elegant Regular script (kaishu). This script, known for its clarity and formal structure, ensures legibility. While engravers are anonymous, the design reflects established imperial minting conventions. The reverse is generally plain, focusing artistic attention on the obverse inscription, a hallmark of classical Chinese cash coinage.

Technical/Grading: This bronze 1 Cash coin, 24 mm and 4.57 grams, exhibits standard specifications. When evaluating, collectors prioritize the sharpness and completeness of the calligraphic strokes, especially inner details and the central square hole. A well-struck example presents crisp legends, clear rims, and minimal planchet flaws. Given production during civil unrest, variations in strike quality, metal purity, and finish are expected, with premium placed on well-centered, clearly legible specimens.

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