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Qing Dynasty
Xianfeng Chungbao
50 Cash
Bao Chang Bureau
清
咸豐重寶
當五十
寶昌局造
Item number: A2158
Year: AD 1854-1855
Material: Brass
Size: 51.5 x 50.6 x 2.9 mm
Weight: 40.2 g
Manufactured by: Bao Chang Bureau
Provenance: Da Chen Stamps and Coins Collection 2015
This is a Xianfeng Chungbao coin, issued by the Bao Chang Bureau responsible for minting in Jiangxi Province during the 4th to 5th years of the Xianfeng reign (AD 1854–1855). The denomination of the coin is 50 Cash.
The coin has the typical square-hole design. On the obverse, the inscription “咸豐重寶” is carved in Chinese characters, arranged in the order of top, bottom, right, and left. The reverse features the denomination “當五十” inscribed on the top and bottom sides in Chinese characters, while the left and right sides bear the Manchu inscription “ᠪᠣᡠ ᠴᠠᠩ” (Bao Chang), indicating the minting location. Notably, the outer rim of the reverse side features engraved lines and circular dots, suggesting that this coin may have later been repurposed for decorative use.
In the 3rd year of the Xianfeng reign (AD 1853), the successful capture of Nanjing by the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom caused a significant reduction in the Qing court’s tax revenue. Additionally, copper supplies from Yunnan were disrupted, leading to a severe shortage of materials for minting coins. To make matters worse, the Qing government faced immense military expenditures to suppress the Taiping rebellion. Consequently, on May 18th of the 4th year of Xianfeng (AD 1854), the court issued an edict instructing local officials to promptly establish mints in various regions to meet the financial demands.
In the 4th year of Xianfeng (AD 1854), the Bao Chang Bureau responded to the imperial decree by beginning the minting of 10-cash and 50-cash denomination coins. However, the bureau ceased production of the 50-cash coins the following year (AD 1855) and discontinued the 10-cash coins five years later.