← Explore on the interactive map

Song Coins

Type Object Region Worldwide Time 960–1279

The Northern Song legal currency system centered on copper cash, with era-name coins, paired coins, and complex varieties circulating alongside paper…

Timeline

  1. c. 960–1000Circuit mints · ChinaNorthern Song followed Five Dynasties practice in setting up mints, primarily issuing era-name coins, regulating inscriptions, weight, and fineness to form a copper cash system with central control and local casting.
  2. 1081–1090Eastern Capital, Kaifeng Prefecture · KaifengBetween 1081 and 1090, era coins such as Yuanfeng Tongbao and Shao Sheng Yuanbao were cast and issued in many varieties, circulating alongside paper money like jiaozi and huizi, supporting Shenzong–Zhezong period finance and maritime trade.
  3. c. 1050–1200Quanzhou Port · QuanzhouSong coins flowed into Japan, Goryeo, Southeast Asia, and South Asia via the maritime Silk Road and tribute trade, becoming hard currency for regional trade; excavated Song coins are found throughout East Asia and the Indian Ocean coast.

Sources