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Song Dynasty Copper Coins

Type Object Region China Time c. 960–1000

Song dynasty copper coins were cast copper-alloy currency that inherited Tang institutions and completed a unified minting system in the early Northe…

Timeline

  1. c. 901–959Central Plains region · Central PlainsFrom the late Tang through the Five Dynasties, mints across the regions cast coins continuously; Kaiyuan Tongbao-style inscriptions and era-name coins circulated side by side, providing the technical and market foundation for the Northern Song's unified currency system.
  2. c. 960–980Kaifeng Prefecture · HenanAfter founding the Song, Emperor Taizu gradually centralized the right to mint coins, established central mints and unified era-name coin inscriptions, abolished private and miscellaneous coinage from the Five Dynasties period of division, and established a new coinage sequence beginning with Song Yuan Tongbao.
  3. c. 990–1000Yongping Mint, Raozhou · JiangxiDuring the Xianping era the court regulated the weight and fineness of copper coins, strictly forbade underweight and illicit casting, increased output at mints throughout the realm, and copper coins became the most widespread unit of account and means of payment in taxes, markets, and long-distance trade.

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