1 Cash (Wen)

Chinese Cash Coin (e.g., Kai Yuan Tong Bao, Song Dynasty Cash Coin, Qing Dynasty Cash Coin, etc. - specific name depends on characters)

China · Uncertain from the image alone, but likely dates from a period between the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) and the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912 AD), as this style was common throughout these periods.

The coin is round with a square hole in the center, a common feature of ancient Chinese coinage. It appears to be made of a bronze or brass alloy. The characters on the coin are in Chinese script, typical of cash coins. Given the image, it's difficult to discern the exact characters (which would identify the emperor or reign period), but they are arranged around the central square.

Country: China
Denomination: 1 Cash (Wen)
Metal: Bronze or Brass (typical for most Chinese cash coins)

This report is AI-generated and can be wrong. Always verify grade, authenticity, and value with a qualified dealer or certified grading service before buying, selling, or insuring.

Identified August 5, 2025More china coins →

Explore Chinese Cash Coin (e.g., Kai Yuan Tong Bao, Song Dynasty Cash Coin, Qing Dynasty Cash Coin, etc. - specific name depends on characters) in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own coins.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Overview

Historical significance

Chinese cash coins like this have a rich history, dating back over two millennia. They were the primary form of currency in China for a very long period, from the Qin Dynasty right up to the early 20th century. Their design, with the square hole, was symbolic: the round represents heaven and the square represents earth. They were crucial to China's economic and administrative systems. The characters generally denote the reign title of the emperor or the name of the mint, providing historical context for the specific period of issue. They facilitated trade within China and along the Silk Road, playing a vital role in the development of Chinese society and economy.

Estimated value

Varies significantly depending on the specific reign period, rarity, condition, and actual characters. Common types can range from a few USD ( A coin from the Song Dynasty, for example, could be anywhere from $1 to $50, with rarer variants being much more valuable.) to hundreds or even thousands for rare varieties or exceptional condition.

Care & preservation

Handle the coin by its edges to prevent transferring oils from your skin. Store in a cool, dry place, ideally in an inert, non-PVC holder or slab. Avoid cleaning as this can damage the patina and significantly reduce its value. If cleaning is absolutely necessary for identification or preservation, consult a professional conservator.

Other china coins

See all

Li Yuanhung Commemorative Dollar

Republic of China · 1912

1 Dollar (Yuan)

Chinese Zodiac Coin

China · Varies (typically issued every 12 years)

Not specifically defined; often commemorative

1 Yuan (Chiang Kai-shek)

Taiwan (Republic of China) · 1990 (Republic Era 79)

1 New Taiwan Dollar (元)

Fifth Series 5 Yuan Renminbi

China · 2005 (series, though the specific note's issue might vary)

5 Yuan (¥5)

Chinese Yuan (Renminbi)

China · 2011

1 Yuan

Fatman Dollar (Yuan Shih-kai Dollar)

China · Year 3 (1914)

1 Yuan (Dollar)