Song Dynasty Copper Cash

Timeline

1. 960–1100Kaifeng Prefecture (Northern Song capital) · HenanNorthern Song followed the Tang square-holed round coin design, setting up mints in Kaifeng, Raozhou, Zizhou and elsewhere, unifying the currency with era-name inscriptions. Copper cash, linked with the salt and tea monopolies and maritime trade, became the basic medium of Song finance and popular commerce.
2. 1127–1140Lin'an Prefecture · ZhejiangUnder Emperor Gaozong, Southern Song rebuilt coinage and monetary management in Lin'an, continuing Chongning and Zhenghe coin types while adding Jianyan and Shaoxing era coins. In the 1130s copper cash circulated alongside huizi paper money, supporting military supply on the Jianghuai front and the Jiangnan market-town economy; coin weight and fineness management became a key fiscal task.
3. 1141–1279Southern Jiangnan circuit mints · ChinaAfter Shaoxing, Southern Song copper cash output fluctuated more widely, with inscriptions covering Chunxi, Jiading and other eras. Copper cash remained important in taxes, military pay, and private trade, but paper money's share rose; by the late Song, insufficient coin reserves and inflationary pressure laid the groundwork for replacement by the Yuan dynasty's baochao system.