Chong Zhen Tong Bao / Hu Wu. 34mm, 11.2 grams. Hartill #20.329.

Inflationary coins, cast in 1644 to pay the army fighting the Qing.

The Ming dynasty ruled China from 1368 to 1644 and was founded by Hongwu Emperor after overthrowing the Mongol-led Yuan dynasty. It was a period of strong centralized rule, population growth, and economic expansion, with major achievements in agriculture, trade, and the arts. The Ming are especially known for monumental projects like the rebuilding of the Great Wall and the construction of the Forbidden City in Beijing, as well as the famous maritime expeditions of Zheng He. Despite its strength, the dynasty later suffered from internal corruption, fiscal strain, and peasant uprisings, eventually collapsing in 1644 when rebel forces captured Beijing and the Manchu-led Qing dynasty took power.