Kangxi Tongbao (康熙通寶)

The Kangxi coin, known as the Kangxi Tongbao (康熙通寶), was minted during the reign of the Kangxi Emperor of the Qing dynasty (1661–1722), one of China’s longest-reigning and most influential emperors. Like other Qing cash coins, it is round with a square hole in the center, continuing the traditional symbolism of heaven and earth. The obverse bears the inscription “康熙通寶,” meaning “circulating treasure of Kangxi,” written in elegant Chinese script. The reverse usually contains mint marks in Manchu script, showing the specific mint where the coin was cast. Major mints included the Board of Revenue (寶源) and Board of Works (寶泉) in Beijing, but many provincial mints across the empire also produced Kangxi coins. These coins were typically cast in bronze or brass, though regional variations in weight, size, and metal content exist. Historically, Kangxi coins are especially important because they were issued during a time of political stability and economic recovery after the Qing consolidated power over China. They circulated widely and in massive quantities, making them one of the most common Qing dynasty coin types found today. While ordinary examples are inexpensive, rare provincial issues, unusual calligraphy varieties, or high-quality pieces are sought after by collectors. Beyond their numismatic value, Kangxi Tongbao coins symbolize the prosperity and longevity of the emperor’s reign, which is often considered a golden age of early Qing rule.