China – Qing Dynasty – Emperor Qianlong (1735–1796) – Bronze Cash Coin
•Material: Bronze/Copper alloy
•Weight: 4.06 g
•Diameter: 24 mm
•Date: Reign of Emperor Qianlong, AD 1735–1796
Obverse:
Inscription 「乾隆通寶」 (Qianlong Tongbao – “Circulating Treasure of Qianlong”), read in traditional top–bottom, right–left order.
Reverse:
Single Chinese character below the square hole, indicating the mint of issue (commonly Baoquan mint at Beijing, though other provincial mints also struck this type).
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Historical Note:
Cast during the reign of Emperor Qianlong, one of the longest-ruling monarchs in Chinese history, these coins were part of the massive Qing-era copper cash system. The square hole at the center allowed coins to be strung together in groups of 100 or 1000 for easier transport.
Qianlong cash coins are among the most common and recognizable Qing dynasty issues, widely used across the empire during a period of territorial expansion, economic growth, and cultural flourishing.