1 Cash - Zhidao Yuanbao, Tin imitation

Emisor Malay peninsula
Año
Tipo Standard circulation coin
Valor 1 Cash
Moneda
Composición Tin
Peso 1.62 g
Diámetro 22.1 mm
Grosor 1.0 mm
Forma Round with a square hole
Técnica
Orientación
Grabador(es)
En circulación hasta
Referencia(s)
Descripción del anverso Four Chinese ideograms read clockwise.
Escritura del anverso Chinese (traditional, regular script)
Leyenda del anverso  至 寶 道  元
(Translation: Zhidao (5th era of Taizong, 995-997) / Original currency)
Descripción del reverso
Escritura del reverso
Leyenda del reverso
Canto Plain
Casa de moneda
Tirada ND - -
ID de Numisquare 5253025830
Información adicional

Historical Context: This tin imitation of a Zhidao Yuanbao cash coin from the Malay peninsula illustrates the profound economic and cultural influence of Northern Song Dynasty China (960-1127 AD). The original Zhidao Yuanbao was issued under Emperor Taizong during his Zhidao reign (995-997 AD). Official Song cash coins were vital for regional trade. Local polities, rich in tin, produced imitations to meet domestic demands and facilitate maritime trade, underscoring Chinese currency standards' pervasive adoption in pre-modern Southeast Asia.

Artistry: The coin's design directly emulates the Northern Song Zhidao Yuanbao, featuring the four characters 至道元寶 (Zhidao Yuanbao) read top, bottom, right, left, typically in standard script. Local artisans executed the artistry for this imitation. While aiming for fidelity, these copies often exhibit variations from imperial prototypes, with potentially cruder or simplified calligraphy, reflecting local character and casting techniques, differing from sophisticated imperial Chinese minting.

Technical/Grading: This specimen, weighing 1.62 grams and measuring 22.1 millimeters, is cast in tin, a common local metal. Cast coins exhibit less crispness in legends and devices than struck issues. High-points for assessment include the raised characters and the inner and outer rims, where wear or casting defects first appear. Technical quality is evaluated by character clarity, planchet evenness, and presence of casting flaws like pitting or incomplete fills. Soft tin makes these coins susceptible to corrosion and wear.

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