Non-Chinese copies of Kai-yuan

[bgriff99]

Copies for trade purposes are typically made of the most familiar and abundant coins in circulation.   Kai-yuan was definitely that.   Oddly though, I was unable to find a single reference showing a Japanese version.   Perhaps they had never circulated very much in Japan itself, or were not appreciated for their design.   All the coins below are 23.5-24.0mm.

First coin belongs to a small group from the same issuer using probably 5 different reign titles.   I consider it the most beautiful of all Vietnamese copies.   The scan does not pick up the deep knife sharp relief or velvet field.   It was made in a baked clay mold, as were official Vietnamese cash of its time.   Cast probably between 1460-1540.   Its group may have been in whole or part tribute cash for presentation to the Ming.

Second coin belongs to no group, and is close to the originals except for the extension on the left side of the pao cap, as seal script uses.   Otherwise the coin is in the usual clerk script.   Japanese and Chinese references agree this is Vietnamese.   No idea when it was made.   Found in a junk box 35 years ago.

Third is a zinc coin of the Nguyens issued circa 1740-50.    There are multiple varieties of them, as well as Chou-yuans.   While some low-grade zinc was produced in the north border area of Vietnam, the Nguyens bought theirs from China, specifically Kwangtung, delivered in Dutch ships.   

Fourth coin is a Shima-sen (Japanese = Island cash) found and almost certainly made in Java.   It's very thin, made in a clay mold into which the coin impression was poked directly and deeply with tools or sticks.   It is mirror image because the impression was copied directly.   A very rough guess of origin would be 1450-1570, or 1660-1750.  It is an unknown copper alloy.   All copper at that time had to be imported into Indonesia.

[THCoins]

Thanks for the interesting overview !
I sort of avoided far-eastern coinage in my personal collection. But it is nice to be exposed to this through experts like you.

Anthony

[Figleaf]

Good fun, bgriff. You note that the copy was made in baked clay. I thought all Asian cast coins were made in baked clay moulds and stone moulds were European only. Can you elucidate, please?

Bgriff's elaborate and interesting answer is now here

Peter

[Jonathan Ouellet]

Has anyone done a cross section of the moulds to see the chemical composition of them?

[Manzikert]

Just for fun, this is one from the Bukharan Sogd.

Alan

[Figleaf]

See the link in reply #2, Jonathan. For a Western application of baked clay for casting coins, see here. The Soghdian coin (seriously drooling!) Manzikert shows above is almost an emergency issue. The area was coveted by muslims and it sought support from China.

Peter