The scan shows a double-sided version of the N Song Da Guan Tong Bao which I have just acquired. Its diameter is 38.8mm and its weight 17.9g. That places it midway between the 5 cash and 10 cash varieties. There are remains of what looks like gilding, more on one side than the other. Casting quality is a bit rough but the calligraphy looks OK to me. The piece has an old feel to it - I can't quite define the feeling. I don't think it's an error coin, so that leaves charm or fantasy/fake. What do you think?
I have a Chinese reference book that has a rubbing of a "double obverse" da guan tong bao that is attributed to the Song Dynasty and which I measure to be the same size as yours. Even though it is documented that these coins did exist during Song times, my opinion is that your coin was not cast during this time period. Since your images are not really adequate for me to evaluate the metal and patina, I am basing my opinion solely on the calligraphy even though it also is not very clear in the images. As I am sure you know, the calligraphy for the inscription on this coin was from the hand of the emperor himself. Emperor Hui Zong (1101-1125) may not have been the best administrator of state, since his decisions led to the fall of the dynasty to the Jin, but he was a man of culture and developed a very distinctive personal style of calligraphy known as "slender gold". His "slender gold" calligraphy is evident on the coin you use for your avatar on this forum although, for comparison purposes, it may be easier to view the calligraphy on this small cash coin. On my coin, and your avatar, the "da" character (the one above the square hole) shows strokes which are thin and exhibit grace and modulation. This is particularly evident on the two "legs" as well as the right end of the horizontal stroke. This elegance may be seen even clearer in this image which is actually a Jin Dynasty coin but one that was based on the "slender gold" style. If you compare this "da" character with the same character on the left image of your "double obverse" coin, you will see a remarkable difference. Your coin, in general, has very thick strokes with little modulation. The horizontal stroke has lost the distinctive tip at its right end, and the "legs" look like they have elephantitis or some other ailment. My reference books also show other variants of the da guan tong bao with slightly different calligraphy. These are referred to as "later cast" coins and were mostly produced during the Jin and Yuan Dynasties. However, these coins also have a calligraphic quality which exceeds that of your "double obverse" coin. There are da guan tong bao amulets and many of them are attributed to the Song Dynasty. "Da guan" can be interpreted to mean "great view" or "great outlook" so this inscription lends itself to being used as a charm. "Guan" can also mean a Daoist (Taoist) temple. However, again, these Song Dynasty amulets display a calligraphy which is very similar to that of the coins that were circulating at that time and which is quite different from that of your coin. Also, da guan tong bao amulets seem to always have symbols on the reverse side such as the "Big Dipper", sun, crescent moon, dragon, etc. As you know, it can be a real challenge trying to authenticate a Chinese coin from just an image. My best guess, and that is all it really is, is that your coin is probably meant to be a copy of the "double obverse" Song Dynasty coin I mentioned above. However, it lacks the qualities of a true Song Dynasty coin and was most certainly cast much later, perhaps even during modern times. Gary
