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 Jin Bureau
(Manchu Script Version 1)
清
乾隆通寶
寶晉局造
(滿文字體一版)
Item number: A670
Year: AD 1735-1796
Material: Brass
Size: 22.6 x 22.6 x 1.3 mm
Weight: 4.3 g
Manufactured by: Bao Jin Bureau
Provenance:
1. Noonans 2022
2. D. L. F. Sealy Collection
This is a Qianlong Tongbao coin issued by the Bao Jin Mint, established in Shanxi Province during the reign of Qianlong, the sixth emperor of the Qing Dynasty (AD 1735–1796). The coin features a square hole in the centre.
Both the obverse and reverse outer rims are exceptionally well-preserved. The inner rim of the obverse is inscribed with the Chinese characters “乾隆通寶” (Qianlong Tongbao), while the inner rim of the reverse bears the Manchu script “ᠪᠣᡠ ᠵᡳᠨ” (Bao Jin).Compared to the other two Qianlong Tongbao made by Bao Jin Bureau in Legends Museum’s collection, this piece, despite its incomplete inscription, features the most refined craftsmanship and the thinnest script among the three.
The Bao Jin Bureau was established in the 7th year of the Yongzheng reign (AD 1729 ) with the purpose of stabilising coin prices and providing military pay. The primary material used for minting at that time came from old bronze artifacts, and due to the limited supply, production ceased after only two years. Although permission was granted in the 13th year of Qianlong zheng’s reign (AD 1735) to purchase existing bronze objects for coin production, the efforts were unsustainable. Consequently, the operations of the Bao Jin Bureau during the Yongzheng period were marked by intermittent production due to a shortage of bronze materials.