½ Liang - Shang Wen (175 BC - 118 BC) front ½ Liang - Shang Wen (175 BC - 118 BC) back
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½ Liang - Shang Wen 175 BC - 118 BC

 
Bronze 2.93 g 25 mm
Description
Issuer
China (ancient)
Period
Western Han Dynasty (202 BC - 8 BC)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
175 BC - 118 BC
Value
½ Liang
Currency
Liang (300-118 BC)
Composition
Bronze
Weight
2.93 g
Diameter
25 mm
Shape
Round with a square hole
Technique
Cast
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-09
References
Numista
N#210396
Rarity index
97%

Reverse

Blank (uniface).

Edge

Plain

Comment

There is a series of Ban Liangs with additional ideograms that are thought to be personal names; however, it is unknown whose names those are.

Interesting fact

The ½ Liang - Shang Wen coin from ancient China was used as a form of currency during the Han Dynasty, which was the first imperial dynasty of China. The coin was made of bronze and weighed 2.93 grams. It's interesting to note that the coin's design featured a square hole in the center, which was used to string multiple coins together for ease of use. This design feature was unique to ancient Chinese coins and is still recognizable today as a distinctive characteristic of ancient Chinese currency.