Ancient Chinese coins date back to 2000 BC which was effectively the Chinese Xia dynasty. The size, shape, design, and color were all different with progression in time. Each dynasty had different regulations regarding coins.
The Western Zhou and Shang eras brought us several ancient Chinese coins. In the beginning, the first coins were known as cowry money. When they first came out, the were only made of shells, but eventually they were made from bone. In 221 BC, the cowry was made illegal.
When the Warring States and Spring-Autumn dynasties came into effect, we were introduced to many new coins. Hollow-shaft spade coins are one example of this. One of the other coins that was unusually interesting looked somewhat like a knife. These very large "coins" had a hole at one end for the purposes of stringing them together. These specific coins, "The Ming", are the namesake of the famous city. The "Bu" spade coin also came from this era also. Some of the very first circular coins came from this rime frame as well.
From 221 to 207 BC the Qin dynasty ruled. Gold and bronze coins were used during this time. The first metal coins were made long before this time, however. They first started sometime around 600 to 300 BC during the Pre-Chou and Chou dynasties.
The Pan Liang coins were around a very long time. Possibly up to 2000 years. They were even still in use around 1911 AD. The coins were most likely made between 140 and 118 BC. These are round coins that have a square in the middle.
Minting coins were first made into a state monopoly during the Han dynasty which roughly lasted around 400 years, between 206 BC to 220 AD. In the first century alone over 220,000 strings were made. Each contained 1000 coins. In the Western Han, casting mould in bronze became used. This was done in order to easily standardize the coins.
Emperor Yuan-shou introduced the Wu-Ch'U coin during his reign. Much like the Pan Liang this coin was also round with a square middle. The only difference is that this coin has a raised rim to help prevent so much wearing. For 600 years this coin was used in several forms.
When the Mongols were ruling China they produced coins, but one coin in particular had to be stopped from being used. This coin was so nice it was being hoarded by the people. The Mongols had to eventually make them trade it out. They promised punishment if this did not happen.
Ancient Chinese coins very old, very detailed history. There have been so many unique unusually shaped coins. The coins have had many different materials. Many of the coins eventually became formed metal. The coins details all came from the current dynasty's rulers.
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