Fractional cash - Zhiyuan Tongbao, Regular script, temple coin

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.