| 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 Chongning Zhongbao 10 Cash piece originates from the Northern Song Dynasty, issued during the Chongning era (1102-1106) of Emperor Huizong (r. 1100-1126). Huizong's reign was marked by immense cultural and artistic flourishing, yet also by escalating financial strain and political instability that ultimately contributed to the dynasty's decline. The issuance of larger denominations like the 10 Cash, with its substantial weight (10.78 gg) and diameter (33 mm), was often a response to monetary policy challenges, including inflation, and served to augment the circulating currency, sometimes at a debased intrinsic value compared to its face value. The "Shi" character likely denotes a specific mint or series within this extensive coinage program.
Artistry: The aesthetic appeal of Huizong's coinage is paramount, largely due to the emperor's personal involvement in its design. A renowned calligrapher, Huizong's distinctive "Slender Gold" script (瘦金体) graces many of his issues, including the Chongning Zhongbao series. This elegant, attenuated calligraphic style, characterized by its sharp, angular strokes and refined balance, elevates these coins beyond mere currency to miniature works of art. While no specific engraver's signature is present, the obverse legend's exquisite calligraphy is widely attributed to Huizong himself, making it a hallmark of this era's numismatic artistry.
Technical/Grading: For optimal grading, collectors prioritize the clarity and sharpness of Huizong's delicate "Slender Gold" script on the obverse, particularly the intricate radicals of "Chong" (崇) and "Ning" (寧). Wear often first manifests on these finer elements, diminishing their characteristic crispness. The reverse inscription, specifically the "Shi" (識) character, must be fully struck and legible, as its presence and condition are key identifiers for this specific variant. Evenness of strike, preservation of the outer and inner rims, and an attractive, stable patina free from significant bronze disease or pitting are also crucial factors for high-grade specimens of this substantial bronze issue.