QING: Dao Guang, 1820-1850, AE cash (5.29g), Board of Works Mint, Beijing, H-22.597s, Old branch mint, type B, cast 1824-50, mu qián (mother or "seed" coin), with crisp and well-defined characters and smooth rims and surfaces, arguably the nicest example that we have handled of these from the K.K. Lee Collection and the final example from the collection that will be offered! Choice EF, RR, ex K.K. Lee Collection. As cash coins were produced using sand casting, mother coins were first produced to form the basis for all subsequent cash coins to be released into circulation. Qing dynasty mother pieces are typically made with refined materials and high relief and hence have a highly attractive appearance.
