Catalog
Charm - Guangxu Tongbao
| Issuer | China, People`s Republic of |
|---|---|
| Year | |
| 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 | 0.83 g |
| Diameter | Log in to see details |
| Thickness | Log in to see details |
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| 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) |
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| Reverse description | Log in to see details |
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| Reverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Edge | Plain |
| Mint | Log in to see details |
| Mintage | Log in to see details |
| Additional information |
Guangxu Tongbao charms are apotropaic pieces produced outside official mint channels, made to imitate the cash coinage of the Guangxu Emperor's reign (1875–1908) without functioning as currency. Zinc was a practical choice for charm-makers working without imperial authorization — cheaper than bronze, easy to cast in simple molds.
The attribution to the People's Republic reflects modern collection origin rather than issuing authority; these pieces predate the PRC entirely.