Shunzhi Tongbao cash coin

China - Qing Dynasty · 1644-1661

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.

Country: China - Qing Dynasty
Year: 1644-1661
Denomination: 1 Cash
Metal: Brass (typically approximately 60-70% copper, 30-40% zinc/lead)

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 June 3, 2026More china - qing dynasty coins →

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Overview

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.

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).

Estimated value

$5-$15 for common circulated examples, $50+ for rare mint marks or high-grade examples with sharp casting.

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.

Grade assessment

Fine to Very Fine. The characters are legible but the coin shows significant circulation wear and darkening of the brass.

Mintage & rarity

Common for general types, but specific mint marks vary from common to scarce.

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).

Similar coins

Often confused with other Qing Dynasty cash coins like Kangxi or Qianlong Tongbao; distinguished by the first two characters 'Shun Zhi'.

Care & preservation

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.