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!
Western Xia
Tiansheng Yuanbao
(Iron Version)
西夏
天盛元寶
(鐵版)
Item number: A1580
Year: AD 1149-1169
Material: Iron
Size: 23.1 x 23.1 x 1.3 mm
Weight: 3.2 g
Provenance: Fuchin Coin 2016
This is an iron coin cast during the reign of the fifth emperor of the Western Xia, Emperor Renzong, under his third era name, “Tiansheng” (天盛), which was in use from AD 1149 to AD 1169.
The coin is a typical square-holed cash coin, with its surface covered by a layer of red patina. On the obverse side, the four Chinese characters “Tiansheng Yuanbao” (天盛元寶) are arranged in a clockwise sequence.
The Western Xia Dynasty (AD 1038–1227) was established by the Tangut people, with its power base in the Hexi Corridor. The coinage issued by the dynasty featured Chinese inscriptions, as well as inscriptions in Tangut script, which was a writing system independently developed by the Tanguts. The most used materials for these coins were bronze and iron.
Emperor Renzong of Western Xia was the fifth ruler of the dynasty and reigned for 54 years, making him the longest-reigning emperor in Chinese history before the Kangxi Emperor of the Qing Dynasty. His mother was of Han Chinese origin. During his reign, he maintained peaceful relations with both the Jin Dynasty and the Southern Song Dynasty, avoiding military conflicts. Domestically, he actively patronised Confucianism and Buddhism, fostering cultural and educational development. However, his policy of prioritising civil governance over military strength ultimately contributed to the Western Xia’s vulnerability, paving the way for its eventual conquest by the Mongols.