Money: coins

(1) One circular coin. Square central hole. Obverse presents four Chinese characters 大中通寶 (dazhong tongbao) and one character on the reverse 十 (shi) denoting the value of ten. From the reign of Zhu Yuanzhang as the Prince of Wu (1361-1368 AD).

(2) One circular coin. Square central hole. Obverse presents four Chinese characters 天啓通寶 (tianqi tongbao) and reverse two characters 十 (shi) denoting the value of ten (shi) and 一兩 (yi liang) denoting a weight of one liang. From the Tianqi era of the reign of Emperor Xizong (1620-1627 AD). 

(3) One circular charm coin. Square central hole. Obverse presents four Chinese characters 正德通寶 (zhengde tongbao) and reverse a moulded design depicting a dragon and phoenix. Characters refer to Zhengde era of the reign of Emperor Wuzong (1505-1521 AD). However no official currency ever was issued with this period title. This is an example of a charm coin that has continued to be made up to the present day.

(4) One circular charm coin. Square central hole. Obverse presents four Chinese characters 大觀通寶 (daguan tongbao); reverse presents a moulded design depicting a snake tortoise and constellations. Characters refer to the Daguan era (1107-1110 AD) of the reign of Emperor Huizong (1100-1126 AD). However decorated reverse suggests that this is not genuine currency but a charm coin.

45.5mm (dia)

C1957.991

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(1) (2) (3) Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD)
(4) Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127 AD)