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3 Cash - Zhihe Zhongbao, read clockwise
| Issuer | Northern Song Dynasty Imperial Mint |
|---|---|
| Year | 1054-1055 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | Log in to see details |
| Currency | Log in to see details |
| Composition | Log in to see details |
| Weight | Log in to see details |
| Diameter | Log in to see details |
| Thickness | Log in to see details |
| Shape | Log in to see details |
| Technique | Log in to see details |
| Orientation | Log in to see details |
| Engraver(s) | Log in to see details |
| In circulation to | Log in to see details |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Chinese (traditional, regular script) |
| Obverse lettering | 至 寶 和 重 (Translation: Zhi He Zhong Bao Zhihe (8th era of Renzong, 1054-1056) / Heavy currency) |
| Reverse description | Log in to see details |
| Reverse script | Log in to see details |
| Reverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Edge | Log in to see details |
| Mint | Log in to see details |
| Mintage | Log in to see details |
| Additional information |
Zhihe was one of the shortest reign periods of Emperor Renzong's extraordinarily long rule — just two years, 1054 to 1055. Iron cash of this era were struck primarily to address chronic copper shortages driven by the hoarding and export of bronze coinage, a problem so persistent that the Song court repeatedly legislated against it with little effect. Iron issues circulated mainly in specific regions, particularly Sichuan, where iron currency had deeper institutional roots.
The clockwise reading distinguishes this from the more common counterclockwise convention and narrows attribution to a specific regional mint output.