Ancient Chinese coinage includes some of the earliest known coins, used used as early as the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BCE).
They took the form of imitations of the cowrie shells that were used in ceremonial exchanges. The Spring and Autumn period also saw the introduction of the first metal coins; however, they were not initially round, instead being either knife shaped or spade shaped. Round metal coins with a round, and then later square hole in the center were first introduced around 350 BCE.
The beginning of the Qin Dynasty (221–206 BCE), the first dynasty to unify China, saw the introduction of a standardised coinage for the whole Empire.
They took the form of imitations of the cowrie shells that were used in ceremonial exchanges. The Spring and Autumn period also saw the introduction of the first metal coins; however, they were not initially round, instead being either knife shaped or spade shaped. Round metal coins with a round, and then later square hole in the center were first introduced around 350 BCE.
The beginning of the Qin Dynasty (221–206 BCE), the first dynasty to unify China, saw the introduction of a standardised coinage for the whole Empire.
(1)
Emperor Hui Zong
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An
3 Cash
struck 1111-1117 AD
in
China
Obverse: Zheng He Tong Bao (Seal Script)
Reverse:
Diameter:
-
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 10.2 g
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 10.2 g
The Northern Song Dynasty
Iron
Hartill 16.440 (narrow rim)
(2)
Emperor Hui Zong
Obverse: Da Guan tong bao
Reverse:
Diameter:
40.5 mm
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 19.74 g
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 19.74 g
No notes for this coin
DH 16.426
(3)
Emperor Zhe Zong
Obverse: Shao Sheng yuan bao
Reverse:
Diameter:
33 mm
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 14.65 g
Die Orientation: -
Weight: 14.65 g
"Lance coin"
DH 16.319
