10 Cash - Zhizheng Tongbao

The Zhizheng Tongbao series was issued by the Yuan dynasty under Emperor Toghon Temür, whose reign saw the Mongol grip on China collapse under sustained pressure from Red Turban rebel forces. By 1358–1359, when these heavy cash pieces entered circulation, rebel armies under Zhu Yuanzhang — who would found the Ming dynasty seven years later — had already seized substantial territory along the Yangtze. The Yuan court's monetary policy in these final years was desperate, issuing large-denomination cash to compensate for a paper currency system that had become nearly worthless through decades of overissue.

The 10-cash denomination placed this among the largest struck under the series. Hartill 19.117 is among the more attainable varieties, but surviving examples in unworn condition are genuinely uncommon given the economic chaos of their moment.