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Qing Dynasty,
Qianlong Tongbao,
Bao San Bureau
(Privately Minted Version)
清
乾隆通寶
寶陝局造
(私鑄版)
Item number: A660
Year: AD 1748-1796
Material: Brass
Size: 24.7 x 24.5 x 0.8 mm
Weight: 2.95 g
Manufactured by: Bao San Bureau
Provenance:
1. Noonans 2022
2. D. L. F. Sealy Collection
This is a Qianlong Tongbao coin issued by the Bao San Mint 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 outer rim, inner rim, and central square hole of this coin are severely worn. The inner rim on the obverse is inscribed with the Chinese characters “Qianlong Tongbao” (乾隆通寶). The inner rim on the reverse bears the Manchu script “ᠪᠣᠣ ᡤᡳᠶᠠᠨ” (Bao San).
In the Qing Dynasty, most coins did not explicitly indicate their denominations but were distinguished by size and weight. The typical cash had a diameter ranging from 24.2 to 28.0 mm and weighed between 3.8 and 4.2 g. This Qianlong Tongbao coin, however, has weighs only 2.95 g. Given the significant prevalence of private minting during the Qianlong period, it is speculated that this coin may be a privately minted piece.
The Bao San Mint was originally named the “Xi’an Prefecture Mint” and was established in Shaanxi Province during the second year of the Shunzhi reign (AD 1645). Although minting activities occurred during the Yongzheng period, they were later suspended. Minting resumed only in the 13th year of the Qianlong reign (AD 1748). Initially, the Bao San Mint used imported copper from Japan. From the 17th year of Qianlong’s reign (AD 1752), Sichuan copper and Yunnan copper began to replace Japanese copper, whose usage gradually declined. The primary raw materials then came from Sichuan and Yunnan provinces, with copper from newly opened mines within Shaanxi Province also being utilised.