The southern "Jian" mint operated in Fujian province during the closing years of the Ming dynasty, a period of compounding catastrophe — northern China falling to Li Zicheng's rebel forces while Manchu armies pressed from beyond the passes. Emergency fiscal demands drove provincial mints to strike heavier two-cash pieces in brass rather than bronze, a material substitution that reflects copper supply disruptions as trade and tribute networks collapsed. Fujian's relative geographic insulation kept the mint operational longer than many northern counterparts.
The Hartill 20.328 designation places this among a well-documented regional subtype distinguished by mint signature placement.
The southern "Jian" mint operated in Fujian province during the closing years of the Ming dynasty, a period of compounding catastrophe — northern China falling to Li Zicheng's rebel forces while Manchu armies pressed from beyond the passes. Emergency fiscal demands drove provincial mints to strike heavier two-cash pieces in brass rather than bronze, a material substitution that reflects copper supply disruptions as trade and tribute networks collapsed. Fujian's relative geographic insulation kept the mint operational longer than many northern counterparts.
The Hartill 20.328 designation places this among a well-documented regional subtype distinguished by mint signature placement.