Shunzhi Tongbao cash coin
Country of Origin: China - Qing Dynasty
Year of Issue: 1644-1661
Denomination: 1 Cash
Composition: Brass (typically approximately 60-70% copper, 30-40% zinc/lead)
Brief Description
A cast brass round coin with a square central hole, featuring four Chinese characters on the obverse and Manchu characters indicating the mint on the reverse.
Historical Significance
Issued during the reign of the Shunzhi Emperor, the first Qing emperor to rule over China proper. These coins represent the transition from Ming to Qing monetary systems and were among the first to feature Manchu script on the reverse.
Estimated Value
$5-$15 for common circulated examples, $50+ for rare mint marks or high-grade examples with sharp casting.
Care Instructions
Do not clean or scrub, as this removes the naturally occurring patina which is vital for value. Store in a dry environment in a PVC-free flip or coin holder.
Mint Mark
Boo-Fu (Fuzhou Mint, Fujian Province) or Boo-Chang (Nanchang) - characters appear to be Boo-X in Manchu.
Mintage & Rarity
Common for general types, but specific mint marks vary from common to scarce.
Weight & Diameter
Standardly 3.5 - 4.2 grams; 24 - 28 mm
Edge
Plain (as cast and filed)
Apparent Grade
Fine to Very Fine. The characters are legible but the coin shows significant circulation wear and darkening of the brass.
Obverse (Front)
Traditional Chinese characters read top-to-bottom, right-to-left: 'Shun Zhi Tong Bao' (順治通寶), meaning 'Currency of the Shunzhi Reign'.
Reverse (Back)
Features Manchu script characters on the left and right of the central hole indicating the mint of production (Board of Revenue, Board of Works, or various provincial mints).
What Drives This Coin's Value
Mint mark identification is the primary value driver for cash coins, followed by the sharpness of the casting and the quality of the patina.
Similar Coins
Often confused with other Qing Dynasty cash coins like Kangxi or Qianlong Tongbao; distinguished by the first two characters 'Shun Zhi'.
Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags
Check for 'casting bubbles' or sand-like texture (which indicates a modern fake) versus the smooth wear of an original. Genuine cash coins were cast, but modern fakes often use poor molds.
Notable Varieties & Errors
Varies by the style of the 'Zhi' character and the combination of Manchu and Chinese characters on the reverse (Five Types transition).
Created At: 2026-06-03T22:10:08.493752