2 Cash - Yongli (Tongbao; Seal script)

Type Standard circulation coins

Obverse

Four Chinese ideograms read top to bottom, right to left.

Lettering: 　永寶　通　历

Reverse

Blank (uniface).

Basic Information

Category Coin

Technique Cast

Orientation medal

Demonetization Yes

Face Value 2 Cash (Numeric: 2)

References

Hartill #21.81

Physical Characteristics

Composition Bronze

Weight 6.19 g

Size 28 mm

Shape Round with a square hole

Technical Details

Obverse Lettering

　永寶　通　历

Comments

While some sources suggest these coins were cast in Taiwan, Taiwanese and Japanese sources say these coins were cast in Nagasaki, Japan. Specifically looking at the Japanese Mint, they confirm there were three orders for two varieties (Seal and Running script): the first in 1651 by Zheng Chenggong, and the second and third in 1666 and 1674 by Zheng Jing (Zheng Chenggong's son). Grass script varieties are known; however, unlike the Seal and Running script varieties, the Grass script varieties are not mentioned in Japanese sources and do not have a thick reverse inner rim.