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Fractional cash - Zhiyuan Tongbao, Regular script, temple coin
| Issuer | Empire of China |
|---|---|
| Year | 1285-1294 |
| Type | Emergency coin |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Log in to see details |
| Obverse lettering | 至 寶 通 元 (Translation: Zhi Yuan Tong Bao Zhiyuan (2nd era of Kublai Khan, 1264-1294) / Universal currency) |
| Reverse description | Uniface reverse featuring a central square hole flanked by plain raised inner and outer rims. The field is entirely blank with no inscriptions, symbols, or decorative elements, consistent with the standard practice for fractional cash issues of the Yuan dynasty. The surface displays an uneven green and brown patina typical of cast bronze coinage of this period. |
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| Additional information |
The Zhiyuan Tongbao series was issued under Kublai Khan during a reign defined by the aggressive promotion of paper currency — the chao — as the primary medium of exchange. Bronze cash occupied an awkward position in Mongol fiscal policy, tolerated rather than encouraged, which partly explains the fractional denominations and the relatively limited striking of this series compared to earlier Song issues.
The "temple coin" designation here is significant: these pieces were produced for ritual and votive distribution rather than commercial circulation, accounting for the better preservation frequently encountered on survivors.