CHINA; Later Zhou (后周) Dynasty (Five Dynasties Period) CE 951-960

Shizong CE 954-959
AE Cash after CE 955

O: Zhou Yuan tong bao
R: plain

Sch. 414
H. 15.12

According to Hartill, these coins were cast from melted-down bronze statues from Buddhist temples. "When reproached for this, the Emperor uttered a gnomic saying to the effect that the Buddha would not mind this sacrifice. It is said that the Emperor himself supervised the casting at the many large furnaces at the back of the palace. The coins have amuletic properties because they were made from Buddhist statues, and are particularly effective in midwifery--hence the many later-made imitations." (Hartill, Cast Chinese Coins, p. 114)

CHINA; A Small Selection of Northern Song (北宋) Dynasty Cash CE 960-1127

Zhenzong CE 998-1022 

O: Xien Ping yuan bao  CE 998-1003
R: plain

Sch. 469
H. 16.43

Renzong CE 1022-1063

O: Huang Song tong bao CE 1039-1054
R: plain

H. 16.103

Yingzong CE 1064-1067

O: Zhi Ping yuan bao (clockwise Seal Script) CE 1064-1067
R: plain

H. 16.156

Shenzong CE 1068-1085

O: Yuan Feng tong bao (clockwise Running Script) CE 1078-1085
R: plain

H. 16.235

Zhezong CE 1086-1101

O: Yuan You tong bao (clockwise Seal Script) CE 1086-1093
R: plain

H. 16.261