1 Cash - Zhaowu Tongbao, Regular script

Emittente Great Zhou dynasty
Anno 1678
Tipo Standard circulation coin
Valore 1 Cash
Valuta Cash (1674-1681)
Composizione Bronze
Peso 4.57 g
Diametro 24 mm
Spessore
Forma Round with a square hole
Tecnica Cast
Orientamento Medal alignment ↑↑
Incisore/i
In circolazione fino al
Riferimento/i Hartill#21.105, FD#2158, Schjoth#1345
Descrizione del dritto Four Chinese ideograms read top to bottom, right to left.
Scrittura del dritto Chinese (traditional, regular script)
Legenda del dritto  昭 寶 通  武
(Translation: Zhao Wu Tong Bao Zhaowu (era of Wu Sangui, 1678) / Universal currency)
Descrizione del rovescio Blank (uniface).
Scrittura del rovescio
Legenda del rovescio
Bordo Smooth.
Zecca
Tiratura 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
Informazioni aggiuntive

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.

×