(sold for $32.0)

1861, China, Kiangsu-Kiangsoo Province. Large Cast Brass 10 Cash Coin. aXF!

Mint Period: 1851-1861 Reference: KM-C#16-6. Region: Kingsu-Kiangsoo Province  Denomination:  10 Cash (cast coinage) Condition: Minor deposits, otherwise about XF! Material: Cast brass Weight: 17.52gm Diameter: 37mm

Cash was a type of coin of China and East Asia, used from the 4th century BC until the 20th century AD, characterised by their round outer shape and a square center hole (方穿, fāng chuān). Originally cast during the Warring States period, these coins continued to be used for the entirety of Imperial China as well as under Mongol, and Manchu rule. The last Chinese cash coins were cast in the first year of the Republic of China. Generally most cash coins were made from copper or bronze alloys, with iron, lead, and zinc coins occasionally used less often throughout Chinese history. Rare silver and gold cash coins were also produced. During most of their production, cash coins were cast, but during the late Qing dynasty, machine-struck cash coins began to be made. As the cash coins produced over Chinese history were similar, thousand year old cash coins produced during the Northern Song dynasty continued to circulate as valid currency well into the early twentieth century.