Catalog
| Issuer | Empire of China |
|---|---|
| Year | 1103-1105 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 10 Cash |
| Currency | Cash (621-1912) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 10.78 g |
| Diameter | 33 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round with a square hole |
| Technique | Cast |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | Hartill#16.413 |
| Obverse description | Four Chinese ideograms read top to bottom, right to left (in Clerical script). |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Chinese (traditional, clerical script) |
| Obverse lettering |
崇 寶 重 寧 (Translation: Chong Ning Zhong Bao Chongning (2nd era of Huizong, 1102-1106) / Heavy currency) |
| Reverse description | One Chinese ideogram above. |
| Reverse script | Chinese (traditional, regular script) |
| Reverse lettering |
十 (Translation: Shi 10 Cash) |
| Edge | Smooth. |
| Mint |
Guanghui Mint, Nanping Army(广惠监), modern-day Jiangjin, Chongqing, China (1075-1149) Guangji Mint (广济监), Wanzhou,modern-day Wanzhou District, Chongqing, China (circa 1068-?; 1083-1124) Qichun Mint (蕲春监), Qizhou,modern-day Qichun, Hubei, China (1073-1214) Shenquan Mint (神泉监), Muzhou,modern-day Jiande, Zhejiang, China (1074-1161; 1196-?) Susong Mint (宿松监), Shuzhou,modern-day Susong, Anhui, China (1073-?; 1170-1175; 1178-1183) Tong`an Mint (同安监), Shuzhou,modern-day Qianshan, Anhui, China (1073-1214) Yuanfeng Mint (元丰监), Wuzhou,Guangxi, China (1074-1136) |
| Mintage |
ND (1103-1105) - - |
| Numisquare ID | 1013951440 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: This 10 Cash coin, a Chongning Zhongbao issue, originates from the Empire of China during the Northern Song Dynasty, specifically minted between 1103 and 1105. It was issued under the reign of Emperor Huizong (r. 1100-1126), a monarch renowned more for his prodigious artistic talents and profound scholarship than his political acumen. The Chongning era (1102-1106) saw significant cultural flourishing, driven by Huizong's personal patronage of the arts. This denomination reflects the era's robust economy and the imperial government's extensive monetary policy, aiming to facilitate commerce across the vast empire.
Artistry: The design of this coin is a direct testament to Emperor Huizong's unparalleled artistic influence. While no specific engraver is recorded, the calligraphic style on the obverse is unequivocally Huizong's personal "Slender Gold Script" (瘦金體). This distinctive hand is characterized by its elegant, elongated strokes, sharp angles, and a delicate, almost ethereal quality, making it one of the most aesthetically celebrated scripts in Chinese numismatics. The inscription "Chongning Zhongbao" (崇寧重寶) is rendered with exquisite precision, while the reverse features the character "Shi" (十), denoting its 10 Cash value, maintaining a harmonious balance with the obverse's imperial elegance.
Technical/Grading: Struck in bronze, this coin measures 33mm in diameter and weighs 10.78 grams, consistent with the substantial 10 Cash issues of the period. For optimal grading, collectors seek a strong, even strike that fully articulates the intricate details of Huizong's Slender Gold Script. High-points include the fine serifs and stroke endings of the characters, which often show weakness on lesser examples. The inner and outer rims should be well-defined and circular, without significant casting flaws or planchet irregularities. A clear, well-centered "Shi" on the reverse further enhances desirability, reflecting superior production quality from the imperial mints.