Chinese Empire, Northern Song Dynasty, Zhezong, 2 Ch'ien

Around the mid-11th century, reforms became inevitable in China. A big gap had developed between rich and poor, between metropolitan and rural areas. In cities, cash could buy virtually everything. Out in the countryside, on the other hand, many peasants had to kill their infants for lack of food. Hence the government launched programs to support the peasants with subsidy payments and credits. Besides, trading margins were cut, monopolies suppressed, and prices fixed. To enhance the economy paper money was issued for larger transactions. At the same time the output of coins was increased. Along with the habitual coins of 1 cash multiple denominations were introduced. This piece has a value of 2 cash; additionally pieces of 3 or 10 cash were cast.