Hong Wu Tong Bao // Shi above hole, star below the inner rim. 46mm, 20.0 grams. Hartill 20.228; Ding 2018.

Lovely example. Later issue.

Tianqi Emperor, often referred to in older numismatic literature as Emperor Xi Zong of the Ming dynasty, ruled China from 1620 to 1627. His reign was dominated by the powerful eunuch Wei Zhongxian, whose influence weakened the imperial government and intensified factional struggles at court. More interested in carpentry and craftsmanship than state affairs, the emperor left much of the administration to his advisers. His reign occurred during the final decades of the Ming dynasty, a period marked by growing financial difficulties, corruption, and unrest that contributed to the dynasty's eventual collapse in 1644.