These copper "cash" coins date back to the Ming dynasty of early modern China, during the reign of the Yongle Emperor (1402 - 1424 CE).
The Ming dynasty (or the Great Ming) ruled China from 1368 to 1644 after the previous Mongol-led government collapsed. The dynasty's most recognizable achievement would be the construction of the Great Wall, as most existing portions date back to this period.
The Yongle Emperor himself was perhaps best remembered by his interest in seafaring expeditions. Under the emperor's favor, explorer Zheng He commanded what came to be known as Ming treasure voyages to the South China Sea, India, the Middle East, and even Africa.