Moneta's Temple and Gallery

Title Page - A Chinese Collection

Moneta — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 16:27:04 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: Presented here is a Chinaman's collection of coins I purchased in 2005, directly from China. It consists of 60 coins on five pages that span fourteen dynasties from the Qin to the Republic of China. Other dynasties represented are the Western Han, Wang Mang, Eastern Han, Sui, Tang, Posterior Chou, Southern Tang, Northern Sung, Jin, Yuan, Ming, Ming Rebels, and Qing. You rarely encounter a representative cash collection that was assembled in China. It gives us a clue to the ways the average collector in China might pursue his hobby. The coins are all in average condition and only one or two are scarce. Each coin has a separate hand written card (written on the back of cigarette carton cardboard) showing the attribution. The collection is heavily weighted with Northern Song (28/60). The collector concentrated on various script styles for this Dynasty. So what do you think this indicates? These coins were more readily available in his area, they are the most inexpensive, or they just interested him the most? Here I'll show the entire collection, starting from the calligraphy cover of the booklet, a scan of each page showing the cards and then a detailed photo of every coin on that page. Starting from the beginning page you can progress from the oldest dynasty through to the Republic of China. All are round coins with square hole centers [except for the R.O.C.] and shows the consistency of Chinese coinage for over two thousand years. One brief transitional type of coinage is not represented and that is the machine milled coingage of the late 19th century. Personally, that's a coin type I would have included. You can see several examples elsewhere in the Moneta Gallery. My description of the coins are provided using the excellent resources found in the book "Cast Chinese Coins", by David Hartill; 2005, published by TRAFFORD (ISBN 1-41205466-4). Other cross references may also be provided.

Page 1 - Chinese Collection

Moneta — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 16:24:06 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: 12 coins and ID cards from Page 1 of the Chinese Collection. Register above to expand your privileges and make comments on this collection and individual coins. Thank You! Juno Moneta For the beginning point of this Chinaman's collection please jump Thereby clicking below: /showgallery.php?cat=749

Ban Liang - Chinese Collection

Moneta — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 16:19:35 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: 1-01: I believe our Chinese collector has listed this coin as a coin from the Qin dynasty (300 - 200 BC). This is probably an error. This example of a 'Ban Liang' shows evidence of having rims and at 2.57 grams [a light 4 zhu weight] at about 26 mm it comes closest to Hartill # 7.29 [this may well be an unofficial coin]. This then would be a coin from the Western Han Dynasty [136 - 119 BC]. While the 'liang' character on the right is poor is shows a more traditional type than the 'E' design listed in Hartill. As a registered Moneta Gallery visitor you are encouraged to post comments on this, and all other coins, below.

Western Han - Chinese Collection

Moneta — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 16:18:13 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: 1-02: Western Han Dynasty (136 - 119 BC). 'Ban Liang', 2.73 grams at ~24mm. Perhaps a Hartill # 7.17, with 'liang' like a sideways 'E'.

Chen or N. Wei? - Chinese Collection

Moneta — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 16:17:06 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: 1-03: A 'Chen Wu Zhu', H# 10.22; or a 'Yong Ping Wu Zhu', H# 10.23; [5 'zhu', 3.93 grams, ~26 mm]. If so then first could be attributed to Emperor Wen of the Southern Dynsaties, Chen Dynasty [562 AD] or Emperor Xuan of the Northern Wei Dynasty, Yongping period #510 AD#. Main charactistics are well developed outer rim and no obverse inner rim, reverse has an inner rim. Hartill indicates a tiny dimple in the solid triangular portion of 'zhu' [H# 10.23], the characters are obscured but may be a long thin type.

Wang Mang - Chinese Collection

Moneta — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 16:14:49 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: 1-04: Emperor Wang Mang, 5 zhu. Obverse 'Huo Quan' (Wealth/Money coin), from 14 AD. Wang Mang is a study unto himself, he resurrected some archaic money designs in the form of old spade coins. An example of his unique 'key' or 'knife' coins, with gold inlay, can be seen in the Moneta Gallery. The coin here seems to be Hartill # 9.49 with a blob or flake of metal at the bottom of the obverse hole

Sui Wu Zhu - Chinese Collection

Moneta — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 16:13:51 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: 1-05: If my attribution is correct this is an issue of Western Wei and the Emperor Wen in 581. Obverse: 'Sui Wu Zhu' with hour glass shaped 'wu' and inner rim only by 'wu'. Emperor Wen forbade the circulation of older coins under penalty of a fine. 1000 on a string weighed 4 jin 2 liang. A sub-type called a White Coin [Bai Qian] contained lead and tin in alloy. Hartill # 10.26.

Emperor Wen - Chinese Collection

Moneta — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 16:12:37 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: 1-06: This is a 'Wu Zhu' of Western Wei and the Emperor Wen [535 - 556 AD]. Hartill # 10.25. Previously attributed to the Sui Dynasty. Obverse: straight line hour glass shaped 'wu' and inner rim only by 'wu': 2.49 grams, 23 mm; heavy outer and inner rims.

Kai Yuan - Chinese Collection

Moneta — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 16:11:22 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: 1-07: Tang Dynasty, 'Kai Yuan tong bao' ["The Inaugural Currency"; written: top, bottom, right, left]. This appears to be a Middle type [718 - 732 AD]. Hartill # 14.4, with high left shoulder 'Yuan'. Reverse is of a type not clearly defined in Hartill, here a crescent 'nail mark' is above the hole, off center and without other marks, perhaps it's a 'u' variety.

Su Zong - Chinese Collection

Moneta — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 16:09:51 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: 1-08: Tang Dynasty, Emperor Su Zong (756 -762 AD), ordinary size, Obverse: 'Qian Yuan Zhong bao'. These were issued by the Emperor to pay his army fighting against rebels. Larger, inflated issues, were made foreshadowing the Qing issues during the Tai Ping rebellion [1849 - 1864]. Hartill # 14.114; FD 700, S353.

Huichang Kai Yuans - Chinese Collection

Moneta — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 15:58:30 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: 1-09: Tang Dynasty, Huichang Kai Yuans (845 - 846 AD); Obverse: 'Kai Yuan tong bao' ('The Inaugural Currency'; written: top, bottom, right, left). Reverse: poorly executed/preserved, "Luo" above, meaning minted in Luoyang, the capital of Henan Province. Hartill # 14.77, FD 710, S370.

Kai Yuan - Chinese Collection

Moneta — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 15:57:26 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: 1-10: Tang Dynasty, 'Kai Yuan tong bao' ['The Inaugural Currency'; written: top, bottom, right, left]. This appears to be a Late type [732 - 907 AD]Characteristics of this long running series are: 1) 'jing' component of 'Kai' touches the hole, 2) top stroke of 'Yuan' is longer, 3) two strokes in the middle of 'bao' touch the verticals, 4) long, narrow head of 'tong'. This seems to be well made and therefore a Hartill # 14.6

Kai Yuan - Chinese Collection

Moneta — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 15:56:09 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: 1-11: Tang Dynasty, 'Kai Yuan tong bao' ['The Inaugural Currency'; written: top, bottom, right, left]. This appears to be a Late type [732 - 907 AD]. Appears to be a degenerate specimen and therefore Hartill # 14.7. See the previous coin for a well made example.

Yuan Zu - Chinese Collection

Moneta — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 15:54:47 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: 1-12: Southern Tang Kingdom (937 - 975 AD); Emperor Yuan Zu (Li Jing, 943 - 961). Obverse: 'Tang Guo tong bao' (t,b,r,l) meaning Tang Kingdom Currency. This type from 959 AD uses Seal script

Page 2 - Chinese Collection

Moneta — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 15:53:32 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: 12 Coins with ID cards in Chinese on Page 2 of the Chinese Collection. For the beginning point of this Chinaman's collection please jump Thereby clicking below: /showgallery.php?cat=749

Tai Zu - Chinese Collection

Moneta — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 15:51:39 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: 2-01: Northern Song Dynasty (960 - 1127 AD). Emperor Tai Zu (960 - 976 AD). Obverse: 'Song Yuan tong bao', done in 'Li' script. These were based on Kai Yuan types with a nominal weight of 1 qian. This example has a long 'tong' and 'bao' style the equates to Hartill # 16.3

Tai Zong - Chinese Collection

Moneta — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 15:50:33 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: 2-02: Northern Song Dynasty (960 - 1127 AD). Emperor Tai Zong (976 - 997 AD). Obverse: 'Tai Ping tong bao' in 'Li' script. Smaller size with plain reverse and heavy encrustation. Hartill # 16.17, S460.

Tai Zong - Chinese Collection

Moneta — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 15:49:20 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: 2-03: Northern Song Dynasty (960 - 1127 AD). Emperor Tai Zong (976 - 997 AD). Obverse: 'Chun Hua yuan bao' in 'Normal' script. Minted between 990 & 994. Hartill # 16.25, FD867, S463. This coin's inscription was written by the Emperor himself, he was a noted scholar and calligrapher.

Tai Zong - Chinese Collection

Moneta — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 15:48:16 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: 2-04: Northern Song Dynasty (960 - 1127 AD). Emperor Tai Zong (976 - 997 AD). Obverse: 'Chun Hua yuan bao' in 'Running' script. Minted between 990 & 994. Hartill # 16.28, FD868, S464. This coin's inscription was written by the Emperor himself, he was a noted scholar and calligrapher.

Tai Zong - Chinese Collection

Moneta — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 15:47:15 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: 2-05: Northern Song Dynasty (960 - 1127 AD). Emperor Tai Zong (976 - 997 AD). Obverse: 'Chun Hua yuan bao' in 'Grass' script. Minted between 990 & 994. This coin, along with the two previous coins, represent all three types of script found for the Chun Hua series. Reverse, upon close examination in hand, shows a Dot above the hole, a much scarcer type. This coin's inscription was written by the Emperor himself, he was a noted scholar and calligrapher. Hartill # 16.34

Tai Zong - Chinese Collection

Moneta — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 15:46:13 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: 2-06: Northern Song Dynasty (960 - 1127 AD). Emperor Tai Zong (976 - 997 AD). Obverse: 'Zhi Dao yuan bao', in 'Regular' script. Minted between 995 - 997. Nice example of normal size. Hartill # 16.35, FD872, S465. This coin's inscription was written by the Emperor himself, he was a noted scholar and calligrapher.

Tai Zong - Chinese Collection

Moneta — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 15:45:09 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: 2-07: Northern Song Dynasty (960 - 1127 AD). Emperor Tai Zong (976 - 997 AD). Obverse: 'Zhi Dao yuan bao', in 'Running' script. Minted between 995 - 997. Hartill # 16.37, FD873, S467. This coin's inscription was written by the Emperor himself, he was a noted scholar and calligrapher.

Tai Zong - Chinese Collection

Moneta — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 15:43:35 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: 2-08: Northern Song Dynasty (960 - 1127 AD). Emperor Tai Zong (976 - 997 AD). Obverse: 'Zhi Dao yuan bao', in 'Grass' script. Minted between 995 - 997. Hartill # 16.41, FD874, S468. This coin's inscription was written by the Emperor himself, he was a noted scholar and calligrapher.

Zhen Zong - Chinese Collection

Moneta — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 15:42:28 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: 2-09: Northern Song Dynasty (960 - 1127 AD). Emperor Zhen Zong (998 - 1022 AD). Obverse: 'Xian Ping yuan bao', in 'Regular' script. Minted between 998 - 1003. Hartill # 16.43, FD876, S469.

Zhen Zong - Chinese Collection

Moneta — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 15:41:29 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: 2-10: Northern Song Dynasty (960 - 1127 AD). Emperor Zhen Zong (998 - 1022 AD). Obverse: 'Jing De yuan bao', in 'Regular' script. Minted between 1004 - 1007. Hartill # 16.49, FD881, S471.

Zhen Zong - Chinese Collection

Moneta — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 15:40:24 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: 2-11: Northern Song Dynasty (960 - 1127 AD). Emperor Zhen Zong (998 - 1022 AD). Obverse: 'Xiang Fu yuan bao', in 'Regular' script. Minted between 1008 - 1016. Hartill # 16.59, FD891, S477.

Zhen Zong - Chinese Collection

Moneta — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 15:39:14 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: 2-12: Northern Song Dynasty (960 - 1127 AD). Emperor Zhen Zong (998 - 1022 AD). Obverse: 'Tian Xi yuan bao', in 'Regular' script. Minted between 1017 - 1022. Feet of 'bao' spread and one dot 'tong'. Hartill # 16.68, FD893, S480

Page 3 - Chinese Collection

Moneta — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 15:37:53 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: The 12 coins and ID cards of the Chinese Collection - PAGE 3. For the beginning point of this Chinaman's collection please jump there by clicking below: /showgallery.php?cat=749

Ren Zong - Chinese Collection

Moneta — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 15:36:22 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: 3-01: Northern Song Dynasty (960 - 1127 AD). Emperor Ren Zong (1022 - 1063 AD). Obverse: 'Tian Sheng yuan bao'. Minted between 1023 - 1031. Feet of 'bao' spread. Hartill # 16.76, FD895, S486.

Ren Zong - Chinese Collection

Moneta — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 15:35:14 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: 3-02: Northern Song Dynasty (960 - 1127 AD). Emperor Ren Zong (1022 - 1063 AD). Obverse: 'Ming Dao yuan bao'. Minted between 1032 - 1033. Feet of 'bao' spread. Hartill # 16.83, FD899, S490.

Ren Zong - Chinese Collection

Moneta — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 15:33:36 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: 3-03: Northern Song Dynasty (960 - 1127 AD). Emperor Ren Zong (1022 - 1063 AD). Obverse: 'Jing You yuan bao'. Minted between 1034 - 1038. Hartill # 16.89, FD901, S494.

Ren Zong - Chinese Collection

Moneta — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 15:32:36 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: 3-04: Northern Song Dynasty (960 - 1127 AD). Emperor Ren Zong (1022 - 1063 AD). Obverse: 'Huang Song yuan bao'; 'tong' in 'Li' script; top of 'Huang' regular style. Minted between 1039 - 1054. Hartill # 16.105.

Ren Zong - Chinese Collection

Moneta — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 15:31:40 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: 3-05: Northern Song Dynasty (960 - 1127 AD). Emperor Ren Zong (1022 - 1063 AD). Obverse: 'Zhi He yuan bao'; regular script. Minted between 1054 - 1055. Hartill # 16.141

Ren Zong - Chinese Collection

Moneta — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 15:30:33 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: 3-06: Northern Song Dynasty (960 - 1127 AD). Emperor Ren Zong (1022 - 1063 AD). Obverse: 'Jia You yuan bao'; with small 'Jia'. Minted between 1056 - 1063. Hartill # 16.154, S517

Ying Zong - Chinese Collection

Moneta — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 15:29:35 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: 3-07: Northern Song Dynasty (960 - 1127 AD). Emperor Ying Zong (1064 - 1067 AD). Obverse 'Zhi Ping tong bao'; script style is 'Li'. Hartill # 16.167, FD 942, S526

Zhe Zong - Chinese Collection

Moneta — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 15:28:22 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: 3-08: Northern Song Dynasty (960 - 1127 AD). Emperor Zhe Zong (1086 - 1100 AD). Obverse 'Shao Sheng yuan bao', clock-wise; 'Running' script style, spread feet 'bao'. Hartill # 16.307, FD 991, S586

Zhe Zong - Chinese Collection

Moneta — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 15:27:13 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: 3-09: Northern Song Dynasty (960 - 1127 AD). Emperor Zhe Zong (1086 - 1100 AD). Obverse 'Yuan Fu yuan bao', clock-wise; 'Seal' script style, small 'bao'. Hartill # 16.329

Hui Zong - Chinese Collection

Moneta — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 15:25:52 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: 3-10: Northern Song Dynasty (960 - 1127 AD). Emperor Hui Zong (1101 - 1125 AD). Obverse 'Sheng Song yuan bao', clock-wise; 'Running' script style, I think this is a 'Knotted' style N. Song. Hartill # 16.381

Hui Zong - Chinese Collection

Moneta — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 15:24:34 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: 3-11: Northern Song Dynasty (960 - 1127 AD). Emperor Hui Zong (1101 - 1125 AD). Obverse 'Da Guan tong bao'; 'Slender Gold script style, common variety. Note: this is the type of coin that appears on the cover of "Cast Chinese Coins" by David Hartill. Hartill # 16.418, FD1055, S629

Hui Zong - Chinese Collection

Moneta — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 15:22:31 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: 3-12: Northern Song Dynasty (960 - 1127 AD). Emperor Hui Zong (1101 - 1125 AD). Obverse 'Zheng He tong bao'; 'Li' script style, large characters, head of 'tong' merged. Note: Many other scarcer varieties exist; this may be one of them because character variations are seen, particularly in 'Zheng', from Hartill # 16.441 and the other two in this series; FD1071, S635

Page 4 - Chinese Collection

Moneta — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 15:21:30 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: Entire page 4 with 12 coins and ID cards. For the beginning point of this Chinaman's collection please jump There by clicking below: /showgallery.php?cat=749

Hui Zong - Chinese Collection

Moneta — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 15:19:30 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: 4-01: Northern Song Dynasty (960 - 1127 AD). Emperor Hui Zong (1101 - 1125 AD). Obverse 'Xuan He tong bao'; 'Li' script style. Poor condition but I think this is the common type of Semicircular 'bao'. Hartill # 16.482, FD1102, S653

Hui Zong - Chinese Collection

Moneta — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 15:16:28 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: 4-02: Northern Song Dynasty (960 - 1127 AD). Emperor Hui Zong (1101 - 1125 AD). Obverse 'Xuan He tong bao'; 'Seal' script style with large characters. Hartill # 16.470, FD1103, S648-650

Xiao Zong - Chinese Collection

Moneta — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 15:14:52 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: 4-03: Southern Song Dynasty (1127 - 1279 AD). Emperor Xiao Zong (1163 - 1190 AD). Obverse 'Chun Xi tong bao'; clock-wise, in 'Regular' script. Reverse crescent above and dot below. I believe this might be the small character variety, part of this might be because I can't tell the difference between the 6 & 7 stroke 'bao' (any help would be appreciated). Therefore Hartill # 17.186 to 17.188 with the latter being the small character type. FD1198, S725 for the general type.

Huan Zong - Chinese Collection

Moneta — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 15:12:13 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: 4-04: Tartar Dynasties; The Western Xia (1032 - 1227 AD). Emperor Huan Zong (1194 - 1206 AD). Obverse: 'Tian Qing yuan bao', clock-wise; Note: similarity seen with H# 18.22 but 'Qing' appears to better fit this attribution. Reverse: poor preservation all around but I almost make out a Crescent above. If the attribution is correct, that places this coin in a scarce to very scarce category, assistance welcome. Hartill # 18.106 or 18.107; FD1691/92.

1 comment

Wan Yan Liang - Chinese Collection

Moneta — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 15:10:42 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: 4-05: Tartar Dynasties: Jin Dynasty (1115 - 1234 AD). King Hai Ling, also called Emperor Wan Yan Liang (1149 - 1161 AD). Obverse: 'Zheng Long yuan bao', clock-wise with regular 4 stroke 'Zheng' (as opposed to the 5 stroke variety, scarce). Cast between 1158 - 1161 AD. Hartill # 18.40; FD1637, S1083.

Shi Zong - Chinese Collection

Moneta — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 15:09:26 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: 4-06: Tartar Dynasties: Jin Dynasty (1115 - 1234 AD). Emperor Shi Zong (1161 - 1190 AD). Obverse: 'Da Ding tong bao'; may have been exclusively and extensively cast in 1178 AD. Hartill # 18.42; FD1640, S1085. This is a beautiful example.

Wu Zong - Chinese Collection

Moneta — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 15:08:07 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: 4-07: Yuan Dynasty (Mongols, 1280 - 1368 AD). Emperor Wu Zong (Khaishan, 1308 - 1311 AD). Obverse: 'Zhi Da tong bao'; cast 1310-1311. Regular 1 cash size. Hartill # 19.39; FD1723, S1098

Tai Zu - Chinese Collection

Moneta — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 15:07:08 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: 4-08: Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644 AD). Emperor Tai Zu (1368 - 1398 AD). Obverse: 'Hong Wu tong bao'; variety of one dot 'tong' with an irregular dot in 'Wu', but not below horizontal line. Hartill # 20.57; FD1895, S1137

Shen Zong - Chinese Collection

Moneta — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 15:05:43 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: 4-09: Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644 AD). Emperor Shen Zong (1573 - 1620 AD). Obverse: 'Wan Li tong bao'; regular characters. Hartill # 20.140; FD1970, S1185