Cash coins typically were undated. The bottom one is definitely Chinese - Manchu script on the reverse (lower picture). One of our experts on this category can probably identify it further. I think both pictures are upside down. The other could be Chinese, Japanese, Korean or Annamese, but it can't be further identified from your pictures. Both pictures need to be rotated counter-clockwise a quarter-turn. From the general appearance of the reverse, I suspect Japanese origin, but if the characters are as worn and flattened as shown in the pictures, it can never be positively identified. The only (possibly) identifiable character is the probable "1" at the bottom of the reverse (left side in the picture).
The first coin needs to be rotated about 90 degrees counter-clockwise. Even with all the wear I am pretty sure it is a kai yuan tong bao first cast in the year 621 during the reign of Emperor Gao Zu of the Tang Dynasty (618-907). These coins continued to be cast in very large quantities over several hundred years. If you rotate the coin to the correct position, then the reverse side has two "moons" (nail marks), one each above and below the square hole. You may view a similar coin here. I provide images of two different reverse sides: one with a "moon" under the square hole and another with a moon above and a "star" below the square hole. If you are interested in these symbols please see "Yin Yang and the Five Elements". The second coin is oriented correctly and is a qian long tong bao cast during the years 1736-1795 of the reign of Emperor Gao Zong of the Qing (Ch'ing) Dynasty (1644-1911). It's a little difficult to make out but I believe the Manchu character to the right of the square hole on the reverse side is yun meaning the coin was cast in Yunnan Province. Both coins were cast in very large numbers and would be considered "common". Gary
WoW ! Quite Impressive. I appreciate you sharing this knowledge, as I too have not purchased a fare on the Clue Bus.
