The coin was cast during the reign of Emperor Xuan Zong (1821-1850) of the Qing (Ch'ing) Dynasty. The inscription reads dao guang tong bao (道光通宝). The inscription (宝苏) on the reverse side indicates that the coin was cast at the mint in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province. There are a number of varieties of this coin having a broad rim and large hole. A coin similar, but not identical to yours, may be seen at this Chinese website. Due to the opium trade and the relative values of copper and silver at the time, many of the dao guang tong bao coins are small and poorly cast. Gary
Hi Gary, Thanks so much for that. I knew somebody on this great forum could help. If anybody ever needs any help on English Hammered Coins, please let me know. I'm more than happy to help and am currently writing a book on the Henry III period. Thanks again mate. Owe you one. Steve
I would at that, because of how small and crude the piece is, it is probably a contemporary imitation.
