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5 Cash - Dazhong Tongbao, Bei Ping
| Issuer | Great Zhong State |
|---|---|
| Year | 1361-1368 |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| 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 | Round with a square hole |
| Technique | Log in to see details |
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| 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 | Log in to see details |
| Reverse description | Two Chinese characters in regular script (kaishu) cast in raised relief above the central square perforation, reading 北平 (Bei Ping), denoting the Beiping mint. The remainder of the reverse field is plain, bounded by a raised inner rim surrounding the square hole and a raised outer rim. The surface displays a mottled green and brown patina with areas of verdigris. |
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| Edge | Log in to see details |
| Mint | Log in to see details |
| Mintage | Log in to see details |
| Additional information |
The Great Zhong State was the short-lived regime of Chen Youliang, a former fisherman's son who rose through the Red Turban rebellion to challenge Zhu Yuanzhang for control of southern China. Chen proclaimed himself emperor in 1360 and minted the Dazhong Tongbao series as his primary currency, but his ambitions ended at the Battle of Lake Poyang in 1363 — one of the largest naval engagements in premodern history — where his forces were decisively defeated and Chen himself killed by a stray arrow.
The Bei Ping designation marks this as a product of the northern pacification mint, distinguishing it from issues of the central administration. Surviving examples of this denomination are notably scarce relative to smaller Cash values from the same regime.