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His Story Treasures Presents
Qing Dynasty Tongzhi Zhong Bao 同治重寶
10 Cash Copper-Alloy Coin • 35 mm • 14.3 g
Zhizhen Graded 极美88
THE STORY — IMPERIAL MONEY IN AN AGE OF CHANGE
During the Tongzhi period, 1862–1874, the Qing empire faced the challenge of rebuilding after years of upheaval. Traditional institutions continued alongside growing pressures for reform, and cast copper-alloy coins remained part of everyday economic life.
The Tongzhi Zhong Bao belongs to this chapter of Chinese history. Its four-character inscription, 同治重寶, names the reign under which the coinage was issued. On the reverse, 當十 announces its intended denomination: a value of ten cash.
Imagine the counting of coins across a merchant’s counter, the weight of money carried between markets, and the familiar square-holed currency passing through generations of hands. The individual journey of this specimen is unknown, but its design connects it to that wider world of late imperial commerce.
At 35 mm in diameter, this example offers a substantial canvas for the bold Chinese lettering, Manchu reverse inscriptions, and broad outer rims. It brings the visual character of Qing coinage into clear focus.
THE COIN
• Country: China
• Dynasty: Qing
• Reign: Tongzhi
• General issue period: AD 1862–1874
• Type: Tongzhi Zhong Bao / 同治重寶
• Denomination: 10 cash / 當十
• Material: Copper alloy
• Diameter: 35.0 mm
• Thickness: 2.2 mm
• Weight: 14.3 g
• Obverse: 同治重寶 around a square central opening
• Reverse: 當十 with Manchu mint inscriptions
• Holder branding: 致臻评级 — Zhizhen Grading
• Holder grade: 极美88
• Certification number: B1737C8456
Measurements, weight, and grade are transcribed from the holder. The coin is undated; the date range identifies the Tongzhi issue period.
APPEARANCE & CONDITION
The coin displays brown coloration, darker recessed fields, and clearly visible principal inscriptions. Broad rims frame both faces.
Visible surface features include granular texture, uneven areas, and linear marks across portions of the rims. Raised details show lighter coloration in places. Please examine all photographs closely to assess the surfaces and overall appearance.
HOLDER NOTE
This listing offers the piece as a Tongzhi Zhong Bao 10-cash coin.
The grade 极美88 is reproduced exactly as assigned by the grading service.
THE PIECE YOU WILL RECEIVE
You will receive the exact encapsulated coin shown in the photographs. Images of the holder and accompanying certificate lookup are included for reference.
An engaging addition to a Qing dynasty collection, a Chinese cash-coin display, or a study of the currency used during the final century of imperial China.
His Story Treasures
Discover the history. Preserve the story.
