2 Cash - Xuanhe Tongbao; Seal Script. Interesting Shape; How Was It Form?

Those radial cracks on the reverse sure look like an attempt at fragmentation to me. Don't think I've seen those on cash coins before either...

I'd say it was probably pressed into something but then it wouldn't be this round and the script would probably be flattened down. Dunno. Maybe a distorted mold, yes.

I improvised my vernier to measure the inner and outer thickness (not measuring where the words are). If it is depressed at the center after cast; the center would logically be stretched and thinned out. But the thickness is same throughout. There is about 0.1mm variation due to roughness but at random area. Measurement does not show systematic thinning at center. I am also wondering if the radial fine crack could be due to uneven cooling because the mold is not planar. If it is done after cast; a cylindrical round tool must be used to strike onto the coin while it was held at the rim. Then there should be struck mark on the reverse and possibly bigger circular mark near the obverse edge where the coin was placed face down. One would need to use considerable strength to cause this cup shape. What do you think?