Fractional cash - Zhizheng Tongbao, temple coin

The Zhizheng Tongbao series was issued under the last Yuan emperor Toghon Temür, whose reign witnessed the dynasty's catastrophic collapse under relentless Red Turban rebellions. This fractional piece, catalogued by Hartill as a temple coin rather than a circulation issue, was produced for religious or ceremonial deposit — likely as a votive offering or burial inclusion — which accounts for its survival in conditions rarely seen on contemporary commercial cash.

The Yuan monetary system by the 1350s had effectively broken down, with paper currency rendered worthless by overissue. Bronze coinage itself was semi-ceremonial by then.