3 Cash - Taihe Tongbao, Regular script

Historical Context: This 3 Cash Taihe Tongbao coin was issued by the Great Jin Dynasty under Emperor Zhangzong (Wanyan Jing) during the Taihe era (1204-1208). Zhangzong’s reign, while marked by cultural refinement and a flourishing of arts, also saw increasing pressure from the burgeoning Mongol power. The Taihe Tongbao series is distinguished by its varied denominations and high artistic merit, reflecting the Jin's assertion of imperial legitimacy and their sophisticated monetary economy in northern China, often in parallel with the Southern Song.

Artistry: The coin features the inscription "Taihe Tongbao" in elegant Regular script (kaishu), read in the traditional top-bottom, right-left sequence. While specific engravers are not recorded for these issues, the stylistic school demonstrates a robust yet refined aesthetic, drawing from Song prototypes but with a distinct Jin character. The characters are typically well-formed, balanced, and possess a strong calligraphic presence, indicating a deliberate effort towards high-quality numismatic design for official currency.

Technical/Grading: Struck in bronze, this substantial 30mm, 8.47g piece would ideally exhibit sharp, well-defined characters, with the high-points being the raised strokes of the inscription and the inner and outer rims. A superior technical strike ensures full detail on all four characters, particularly the intricate radical elements, and a well-centered planchet. Wear would first manifest on the central strokes of "Tai" and "Tong," as well as the highest points of the rims, diminishing the clarity of the calligraphy.