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.
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.