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Northern Song Dynasty
Chong He Tongbao
(Clerical Script Version)
北宋
重和通寶
(隸書版)
Item number: A238
Year: AD 1118-1119
Material: Bronze
Size: 25.6 x 25.6 mm
Provenance:
1. Fuchin Coin 2016
2. Cheng Xuan Auctions
This is a bronze coin minted during the Northern Song Dynasty, under the fifth reign title of Emperor Huizong. It bears the inscription “Chong He Tongbao” and follows the square-hole round-coin system. The obverse of this type of coin features inscriptions in both clerical script and seal script, with this item showcasing the clerical script version. In Chinese numismatics, coins with identical specifications except for variations in calligraphic styles are termed “couple coins.”
The coin exhibits a robust and distinct outline. On the obverse, in sequence from top to bottom and from right to left, the inscription “Chong He Tongbao ” is rendered in clerical script. The structure of the characters is broad and graceful, with strokes evenly proportioned, showcasing the refined literary style and minting technology of the Northern Song period. The reverse side, however, lacks any inscriptions.
In November AD 1118, Emperor Huizong inaugurated his fifth reign title, “Chonghe,” with the aspiration of fostering internal tranquillity among court officials divided into two factions, the New Party and the Old Party, following the currency inflation policies of the powerful minister Cai Jing. Externally, he sought to maintain peace with the strong northern neighbour, the Liao Dynasty. However, in February of the following year, concerns arose as “Chonghe” appeared to be a reign title previously used by the Liao Dynasty. Consequently, Emperor Huizong changed the reign title once again to “Xuanhe.”
Due to its short duration of only three months, coins minted under the reign title “Chonghe” are extremely rare. Unlike coins minted under Emperor Huizong’s other reign titles, “Chonghe Tongbao” is the only type that does not fall under the category of “Imperial Calligraphy Coins.” As the name suggests, “Imperial Calligraphy Coins” feature inscriptions penned by the emperor himself. This tradition originated from Emperor Taizong, the second emperor of the Song Dynasty, reflecting the societal emphasis on culture over martial pursuits during the Song Dynasty. Emperor Huizong, renowned for his calligraphy skills, often employed his unique “slender gold script” on these Imperial Calligraphy Coins.
Despite Emperor Huizong’s exceptional artistic accomplishments, his reign was marked by flawed diplomatic policies. These missteps ultimately facilitated the rise of the emerging Jin Dynasty. Following the Jin’s conquest of the Liao Dynasty, they breached the northern Song capital in AD 1127, capturing Emperor Huizong, then acting as a retired emperor, along with his recently enthroned successor, Emperor Qinzong, and other members of the imperial family. This event, known as the Jingkang Incident, compelled the Song court to flee southward, marking a dark chapter in Chinese history.