1736 Qing Dynasty – Qianlong Tongbao (乾隆通寶)
Baoquan Mint | GBCA 88 | Brass Cash Coin
Offered here is a beautiful 1736 Qing Dynasty Qianlong Tongbao (乾隆通寶) brass cash coin, issued during the reign of the Qianlong Emperor (1735–1796). The coin was produced at the Baoquan (寶泉) Mint in Beijing, one of the principal imperial mints of the Qing Dynasty.
Historical Background
The Qianlong Emperor, personal name Aisin Gioro Hongli, was the sixth emperor of the Qing Dynasty. He ascended the throne in 1735 and ruled for more than 60 years, making his reign one of the longest in Chinese imperial history.
The Qianlong era is often considered one of the high points of Qing power and prosperity. During the 18th century, the Qing Empire expanded its territory considerably and maintained strong political and economic influence across East Asia.
In 1736, the date of this coin, Qianlong was only at the beginning of his reign. He inherited a prosperous and powerful empire from his father, the Yongzheng Emperor, and initially continued many of the administrative and financial policies that had strengthened the Qing state.
About the Coin
The inscription 乾隆通寶 (Qianlong Tongbao) can be translated as approximately “Qianlong Currency” or “Qianlong Circulating Treasure.”
The Baoquan (寶泉) mint, represented by the Chinese characters 寶泉, was located in Beijing and operated under the Board of Revenue. It was one of the most important official mints responsible for producing standardized Qing Dynasty cash coins.
Traditional Qing cash coins were cast rather than struck. They were produced in molds and normally made from a copper-based alloy. This example is described as brass, giving the coin its characteristic golden-yellow appearance.
The round shape with a square central hole follows a monetary design that had been used in China for centuries. The central hole allowed coins to be threaded onto strings, making them easier to carry, count, and store.
Coin Details
Dynasty: Qing Dynasty
Emperor: Qianlong Emperor
Reign: 1735–1796
Year: 1736
Denomination: Cash
Inscription: 乾隆通寶 (Qianlong Tongbao)
Mint: Baoquan (寶泉), Beijing
Metal: Brass / copper alloy
Certification: GBCA
Grade: 88
Type: Qing Dynasty cash coin
Historical Significance
This coin dates to the second year of the Qianlong Emperor's reign, making it an early example from one of the most famous periods of the Qing Dynasty.
The Qianlong era witnessed major military campaigns, territorial expansion, flourishing arts and culture, and the continued development of the Qing imperial monetary system. At the time this coin was cast, the Qing Empire was at the height of its influence and was one of the world's largest and most powerful states.
The Qianlong Emperor would eventually rule for more than six decades. His reign connected the prosperous 18th-century Qing Empire with the challenges that would emerge in the following century.
Nearly 300 years old, this 1736 Qianlong Tongbao is a fascinating piece of Qing history and an excellent addition to a collection of Chinese Imperial, Qing Dynasty, or world coins.
Certified GBCA 88.
Please see the photographs and GBCA certification for the exact condition, surfaces, color, and details of the coin.
