Ancient Chinese Coins

Ancient Chinese coins are fascinating artifacts spanning hundreds of years, from around 700 BC to 200 AD. Collectors also seek out Chinese coins from the Imperial period from ~200 AD to 1912. 

Most ancient Chinese coins featured a recognizable round shape with a square cut-out in the center. Some notable types are Ban Liang, Wu Zhu, and the Kaiyuan Tangbao.

Though not often made of precious metal, ancient Chinese coins hold the value of their history, cultural significance, and gorgeous artistry. 

FAQs

What are ancient Chinese coins?

Ancient Chinese coins are some of the oldest forms of currency, used from the 4th century BC to the 1900s. Coins across various East Asian dynasties evolved, with inscriptions indicating the ruler and monetary value. The most common shape was the enduring round coin with a square center hole. 

What materials were ancient Chinese coins made from?

Most ancient Chinese coins were made from bronze or copper alloys. Bronze was the common currency during the Zhou dynasty (~1046-476 BC) and remained popular for Chinese coins throughout ancient times.

Silver or gold Chinese coins appeared rarely over the years. Unlike the Western coining process of striking with hammers, Chinese coining involved mold casting. 

How old are the oldest Chinese coins?

It’s not entirely certain, as most of the records before 221 BC were destroyed. Bronze “coins” shaped like knives and spades are among the earliest metal Chinese currencies we know of, introduced around the 7th to 6th century BC. China also has the oldest known coin mint, which operated in present-day Guanzhuang from around 800 to 450 BC.

What is the history behind ancient Chinese coins?

Ancient Chinese currency began with real and imitation cowrie shells used for exchange during the Shang Dynasty (~1600-1046 BC). The first metal Chinese “coins” were bronze and knife- or spade-shaped, used from 600-221 BC during the Zhou Dynasty. 

The Qin Dynasty (~221-206 BC) introduced the first standardized coinage for all of China: Ban Liang, round ancient Chinese coins with a square hole — a shape that persisted for centuries in qian cash coins. Subsequent coins included the copper Wu Zhu (118 BC to 621 AD) and predominantly bronze Kaiyuan Tongbao (621 to 907 AD).   

What do the inscriptions on ancient Chinese coins mean?

Some of the most common inscriptions on ancient Chinese coins are:

• > Liang (兩): Weight unit equal to 24 Zhu or ~15.6 grams
• > Zhu (銖): Weight unit equal to 100 millet seeds or ~0.64-0.65 grams
• > Wu Zhu (五銖): Inscription (and coin variety) meaning “five zhu,” supposed to be ~4 grams
• > Tongbao (通寳): Meaning “circulating treasure,” introduced on Kaiyuan Tongbao coins in 621 AD replacing previous weight inscriptions
• > Zhongbao (重寳): Meaning “heavy treasure,” indicating higher value introduced on Qianyuan Zhongbao in 758 AD & used on other high-denomination coins

The currency character (e.g. bao (寶)) is almost always on the left of the obverse. The order of reading the characters on most Chinese coins is top, bottom, right, then left. The top and bottom characters usually indicate the period based on the emperor ruling (e.g. top 康 for kang and bottom 熙 for xi indicating Kangxi Emperor). 

What are the most valuable ancient Chinese coins?

Rarity and precious metal value are key to ancient Chinese coin collecting. Silver or gold Chinese coins like the sycee or yuanbao coins carry added value.

Chinese coins with high artistry or cultural significance also fetch high prices, like the beautiful Kangxi Tongbao of the Qing Dynasty or the 1903 Fengtien Tael. 

How can I identify authentic ancient Chinese coins?

The best way to identify an authentic ancient coin is a professional third-party certificate of authenticity from a reputable grading service like NGC or PCGS.

How should I store and care for ancient Chinese coins?

The easiest way to properly store your Chinese coins is to put each one in an acid-free paper envelope in a container away from heat or humidity. You can step it up with individual sealed slabs like you’d get from PCGS. 

Where can I buy ancient Chinese coins?

Right here at Coins Auctioned! Start by setting up an account to track orders and talk to sellers. Then explore the variety of Chinese coins available. You can buy a Catalogue or Buy It Now Chinese coin right away, or place a bid on an open-reserve or no-reserve Chinese coin auction listing. 

You can find high-quality Chinese coins from reputable sellers thanks to our rigorous Verified Sellers vetting process. We also offer ongoing quality control through our free Sheriff Program, which lets you request a free audit with a third-party expert on any listing.

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