Ming dynasty silver ingots were often used as currency. Can you tell me more about their shape and weight?
user
Ming dynasty silver ingots, also known as "sycee," typically had a boat-like or shoe-like shape with a rounded bottom and slightly raised sides. Their weight varied, but common denominations included the 50 taels ingot, which was roughly equivalent to 1.87 pounds or 0.85 kilograms. Smaller ingots were also used, such as 10 taels and 5 taels denominations. The exact weight and purity of the silver could vary depending on the region and the specific mint.
assistant
That's interesting. How did the varying weights and purities of silver ingots affect their use as currency during the Ming dynasty?
user
The varying weights and purities of silver ingots during the Ming dynasty presented several challenges for their use as currency. Since the value of each ingot depended on its weight and silver content, transactions often required weighing and assaying the ingots to determine their true value. This process could be time-consuming and inconvenient, especially for everyday transactions. It also led to a lack of standardization, which could result in disputes and fraud. Despite these issues, silver ingots remained a significant form of currency due to the scarcity of copper coins and the government's policies.
assistant
What were the main reasons for the scarcity of copper coins during the Ming dynasty?
user
The scarcity of copper coins during the Ming dynasty was primarily due to several factors:

1. **Government Policy**: The Ming government initially favored paper money, which led to a reduction in the minting of copper coins. However, widespread inflation and the public's lack of confidence in paper money eventually diminished its use.

2. **Copper Supply Issues**: There were periodic shortages of copper due to limited domestic production and difficulties in importing copper from other regions. This supply issue made it difficult to mint sufficient copper coins.

3. **Private Hoarding**: Some individuals and institutions hoarded copper coins for their intrinsic value, further reducing the circulating supply.

4. **Economic Instability**: Periodic economic crises and regional conflicts disrupted the production and circulation of copper coins, exacerbating their scarcity.

These factors combined to create a situation where copper coins were not always available in sufficient quantities to meet the needs of the market, leading to an increased reliance on silver ingots and other forms of currency.
assistant