Southern Song Copper Coins

Timeline

1. 960–1127Kaifeng Prefecture · Central PlainsThe Northern Song established a centralized minting system, setting mints in each circuit, with era-name coins as the norm, copper and iron coins circulating together, forming the world's largest and most diverse copper coin minting tradition, laying the foundation for the system's continuation after the southward move.
2. 1127–1165Lin'an Prefecture · JiangnanAfter the Song court moved south, the focus of minting shifted to Jiangnan; limited copper sources led to increased iron coin minting and the introduction of reduced-value cash and large-denomination coins such as zhe'er and dang-shi to cover military expenses and annual tribute payments, with mints distributed in Jiangzhe, Fujian, and other circuits.
3. c. 1175–1189Jiangnan East Circuit · JiangnanEmperor Xiaozong's fiscal reforms and the period around the Kaixi Northern Expedition maintained high minting volumes; era-name coins such as the Chunxi Yuanbao circulated widely in towns, markets, and the grain transport system, with copper coins serving as the everyday medium for tax payment in kind, artisan wages, and overseas trade settlement.
4. c. 1230–1279Lin'an Prefecture · JiangnanDeteriorating finances in the late Southern Song led to lighter copper coins and rampant private minting; after the Yuan invasion, paper money gradually became dominant, but Southern Song coin design and era-name traditions still deeply influenced early Yuan and Ming coinage standards.