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10 Cash - Tianqi Tongbao, Fu
| Issuer | Empire of China |
|---|---|
| Year | 1621-1627 |
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| Value | Log in to see details |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Diameter | Log in to see details |
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| Shape | Round with a square hole |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
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| Reverse description | Central square hole with a single boldly cast Chinese character 府 (Fu) positioned above the hole in the upper field, rendered in regular script (kaishu) in high relief. The remainder of the reverse field is plain and unadorned, bounded by a raised outer rim. The mint mark identifies this piece as a product of the Xuanfu Garrison Mint, active during the late Ming Dynasty period. |
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| Edge | Plain |
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| Additional information |
The Tianqi Emperor's reign was administratively dominated by the eunuch Wei Zhongxian, whose political grip extended into the imperial mints. Cash coin production during 1621–1627 became notably inconsistent — quality control collapsed at several provincial furnaces, and the brass alloy specifications were routinely ignored by mint supervisors operating outside direct court oversight. The "Fu" mint designation places this piece at Fujian province.
Ten-cash multiples of this period are frequently encountered with casting flaws and irregular flan preparation, a direct consequence of that administrative breakdown rather than any design intention.