2 Cash - Yongli (Tongbao; Running script)

The Yongli Tongbao coins were minted during the reign of the Southern Ming dynasty's Yongli Emperor, Zhu Youlang. As the Ming forces retreated southward, the coinage served as a symbol of legitimate authority against the rising Qing dynasty. These 2 Cash pieces were specifically circulated within the territories controlled by Koxinga and his Tungning Kingdom on Taiwan, representing a desperate but defiant attempt to maintain a traditional monetary system amidst the turmoil of dynastic collapse.

The design features the standard calligraphic style of the era, utilizing a running script for the 'Yongli Tongbao' inscription. These pieces are often noted for their somewhat rustic casting quality, reflecting the logistical challenges and material scarcity faced by the Ming loyalists during the mid-17th century. Despite their utilitarian appearance, they are highly valued today as tangible artifacts of the short-lived Tungning Kingdom and the final struggle of the Ming loyalist cause.