10 Cash Yongtong Quanhuo, iron

The Southern Tang issued iron cash during the 950s and 960s as bronze became increasingly difficult to source — a consequence of prolonged conflict with the Later Zhou and then the early Song dynasty pressing hard from the north. Iron coinage was an economic expedient, not a preference, and the Quanhuo series reflects a treasury under serious strain. Li Yu, the last Southern Tang ruler, would surrender to Song forces in 975.

Hartill 15.78A is among the scarcer iron varieties of this type. Iron coins from this period survive poorly; corrosion destroys most specimens before they reach collectors in attributable condition.