Chinese Cash identifying token set? [opgelost]

Hello!

This is a set of tokens which I picked up from a thrift store with many other foreign coins. I call them tokens, and not coins, because they are very thin (not the right thickness to match the catalog listing).



From the one side of the token (left in the image), the Chinese lettering matches up to 1 Chinese Cash for the years which appear in the other side of the token (right in the image). It appears to be consistent, such that the Chinese lettering corresponds to Chinese Cash for that year range. However, the dated side has the dates in the European/American year numbering system, and are not in the Chinese calendar as I would expect from the full coins.

This token set consists of 19 tokens, such that I can lay them out with the front and back visible for ten sequences (one missing?). The years covered are as follows:

1644-1661
1661-1722
1723-1735
1736-1796
1796-1820
1820-1850
1850-1861 (pictured)
1862-1874 (only one token)
1875-1908
1909-1911

This puzzle is one which I can't figure out from consulting the Numista catalog. My current theory is that this set of tokens could be used to match the one side against the symbols on one side of a Chinese Cash coin, after which the token's backside would offer the year range for the Chinese Cash coin being identified. I don't know if this even makes sense! My impression from briefly looking for additional details about Chinese Cash coins is that it can be challenging to identify exactly which emperor's reign corresponds to the coin.

Any pointers or information is greatly appreciated!

Thank you,

Rick

modern souvenir set, tokens not real cash coins.
they show just types of cash used in qing dynasty,
and the dates show you emperors regnal period,
for exemple 1850 - 1861 Xianfeng...

Thank you, eazy.dog, this is exactly what I was looking to understand!

For the dates and emperors, see this:
http://www.coincommunity.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=240538

Hi,

just seen your question basically solved but I would like to give my opinion also.

Regarding to the coin, it is 100% sure it is not a real coin for circulation.
For a true circulating coin, most of them are cast copper coins, they are made by manpower instead of machines.
Therefore it is not surprising that every coin has no exact diameter, thickness, and appearances as well.
(That's why there could be hundreds of variants for just one coin only)

Majorly the coins are uniface (only one side has lettering). But some of the cases, province identification, or face value will be shown on back side (Especially Qing Dynasty of China, or Korea Dynasty).

Most of the Chinese coins can be identified by just looking at the 4 Chinese Characters (I could say 2 only if you able to read Chinese). Of course it would be harder work if you need to find exact catalog number correspond the coin you have.

Hope the information find useful for you

Cheers