Digital museum showcasing the collection of worldwide legends over the years! 千古不朽博物館展示多年來收藏的世界傳奇故事!
Qing Dynasty,
Qianlong Tongbao,
Bao Ji Bureau
清
乾隆通寶
寶濟局造
Item number: A686
Year: AD 1735-1796
Material: Brass
Size: 25.3 x 25.3 x 1.0 mm
Weight: 4.45 g
Manufactured by: Bao Ji Bureau
Provenance:
1. Noonans 2022
2. D. L. F. Sealy Collection
This is a Qianlong Tongbao coin issued by the Bao Ji Bureau in Shaanxi Province during the reign of Qianlong, the sixth emperor of the Qing Dynasty (AD 1735– AD 1796). The coin features a square hole in the centre.
The coin’s outer rim, inner rim, and central square hole are very clearly defined. The inner rim of the obverse is engraved with the four Chinese characters “乾隆通寶” (Qianlong Tongbao), with the overall strokes appearing somewhat rigid. The characters “乾隆” are compressed, while “通寶” is slightly elongated. On the reverse, the inner rim features the Manchu script “ᠪᠣᠣ ᠵᡳ” (Bao Ji), with the script lacking the aesthetic quality of calligraphy.
The Bao Ji Mint was initially established during the Yongzheng period and benefited from the monetary reforms implemented during that time. These reforms allowed the Qianlong administration (AD 1735–1796) to mint coins at a lower cost, increasing the copper coin-to-silver exchange ratio. This had a significant impact on stabilising livelihoods, as copper coins were widely used by commoners and soldiers for daily transactions and in the payment of taxes and rents.