© Fred Cherrygarden
© Fred Cherrygarden
½ Liang Lü Zhi type; 8 Zhu weight 186 BC - 182 BC
| Bronze | 6.39 g | 32 mm |
| Issuer | China (ancient) |
|---|---|
| Empress | Western Han dynasty › Lü Zhi (195 BC - 180 BC) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 186 BC - 182 BC |
| Value | ½ Liang |
| Currency | Liang (300-118 BC) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 6.39 g |
| Diameter | 32 mm |
| Thickness | 1.1 mm |
| Shape | Round with a square hole |
| Technique | Cast |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-10 |
| Numista | N#287291 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 94% |
Reverse
Blank (uniface).
Edge
Plain
Comment
Empress Lü Zhi, formally Empress Gao of Han, was the empress consort of Gaozu, the founder of the Han dynasty, and became the first woman to assume the title Empress of China after his death, ruling the country for 15 year afterwards as Empress Dowager and Regent. This coin was issued during her latter rule and is unlisted in Hartill.In 186 BC, to help alleviate monetary confusion, Empress Lü Zhi forbade private casting of coins, ordering the government to cast new heavy coins. The new Ban Liangs were cast to an 8 Zhu standard (theoretically around 6.7 grams), although due to inflation or carelessness, examples less than 3 grams are known.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it was used as a form of currency during the Han Dynasty in ancient China, specifically during the reign of Emperor Wu of Han (141-87 BC). It was an important medium of exchange for trade and commerce, and its design and weight were strictly regulated by the government to ensure its authenticity and value.
