Through Che Quan's introduction, Luo Chong learned that the entire mint had basically achieved full mechanization. The only steps that had not yet been converted were the edge-rolling and embossing of yuan-denomination coins, and those silver coins still used windmill power.
However, the wen- and jiao-denomination coins, which made up the largest share of the entire Currency System and were used most frequently, had already been fully mechanized. The Han Tribe's copper coin output had now reached eighteen thousand coins per hour. This referred to the number of coins, not their face value. In terms of production speed alone, it was already more than ten times faster than the previous windmill-powered machinery. If they continued producing at this rate, they could absolutely satisfy the market shortage brought about by the growing population. Luo Chong could finally set his mind at ease.
It did not matter if the large-denomination coins were temporarily produced in smaller quantities. After all, ordinary people did not have many occasions to use coins of such high value; what they used most often was small change. As for raw materials, the large quantity of copperware previously exchanged from Bamboo Island provided sufficient reserves, so they could meet their needs for the time being.
In fact, considering the Han Tribe's current population and economic scale, Luo Chong felt that even if all the copperware exchanged from Bamboo Island were cast into coins, the Han Tribe probably could not use it all. Therefore, after the mechanization was completed, they might have to start limiting operating hours.
Overall, Luo Chong was extremely satisfied with this inspection. Clearly, the people in charge of the mint and the Power Research Institute understood the priorities and urgency of the matter, placing the conversion of small-denomination copper coins first. That was what gave the