Four Chinese characters Kai Yuan Tong Bao / Chinese character Liang (for Liang prefecture in Shaanxi) above the hole. 24mm, 3.57 grams. Issued in 845-846 AD. Schjoth #399; Hartill 14.74

Emperor Wu Zong is chiefly known for his religious persecutions - he was a fervent follower of Taoism. In 845 AD he ordered the destruction of the Buddhist monasteries and used the copper from the Buddhist bells, gongs, statues and incense burners to cast coins. The coins were cast using the old Kai Yuan cash as mother coins, resulting in poorly cast and inferior coinage. These coins are commonly known as "Huichang Coins" after the Huichang period which spanned 845 and 846 AD - this coin offered for sale is one of these coins. A nice little piece of history!

This coin is unconditionally guaranteed to be authentic.