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His Story Treasures Presents
China Northern Song Dynasty Huang Song Tong Bao 皇宋通寶
An 11th-Century Cash Coin — GBCA 美80
THE STORY
Imagine the sound of cash coins gathered on a cord—small pieces of currency passing through the hands of merchants, customers, and households in imperial China. Coins such as the Huang Song Tong Bao belonged to this everyday world, connecting the authority of the dynasty with the practical business of buying and selling.
Issued during the reign of Emperor Renzong of the Northern Song dynasty, the Huang Song Tong Bao bears an inscription invoking the “Imperial Song.” The type is generally dated to AD 1039–1054, placing it nearly a thousand years in the past.
Its round shape and square central opening are immediately recognizable features of traditional Chinese cash coinage. The hole allowed coins to be strung together for carrying and counting—a simple, practical design used across generations.
This example preserves reddish-brown coloration and substantial surface encrustation. Parts of the inscription remain visible through the uneven deposits, giving it a weathered appearance. Its appeal lies in its historical identity and surviving details.
THE COIN
• Dynasty: Northern Song, China
• Ruler: Emperor Renzong
• Inscription: 皇宋通寶 — Huang Song Tong Bao
• Denomination: 1 cash
• Type period: AD 1039–1054
• Date printed on holder: 1039
• Diameter: 25.0 mm
• Thickness: 1.2 mm
• Weight: 3.9 g
• Reverse: Plain, without a visible inscription
The coin itself is undated; 1039 is the date shown on the grading label, rather than a year inscribed on the coin.
HOLDER & ATTRIBUTION
Encapsulated by GBCA / Gong Bo (公博).
Holder grade: 美80
Certification number: 1119720778
The supplied GBCA lookup screenshot shows the same certification number, attribution, grade, and measurements as the holder. 美80 is GBCA’s grading designation and is not presented as an equivalent PCGS or NGC grade.
CONDITION
Please examine all photographs closely. This coin has substantial encrustation, rough and uneven surfaces, areas of wear, and reddish-brown discoloration. Deposits obscure portions of the obverse characters; the reverse also shows uneven surface texture. Surface treatment history is unknown.
The photographs show the exact encapsulated coin you will receive. Dimensions and weight are taken from the holder label.
A tangible connection to the coinage of Northern Song China, suitable for a dynasty collection or an introduction to medieval Chinese money.
His Story Treasures
Discover the history. Preserve the story.
