© Ollisaarinen (CC BY)
© Ollisaarinen (CC BY)
1 Jin Yuan; City in the State of Wei 350 BC - 220 BC
| Bronze | 8.5 g | 41.4 mm |
| Issuer | State of Wei (Warring States) |
|---|---|
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 350 BC - 220 BC |
| Value | 1 Jin |
| Currency | Jin (350-220 BC) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 8.5 g |
| Diameter | 41.4 mm |
| Thickness | 1.2 mm |
| Shape | Round with a round hole |
| Technique | Cast |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-09 |
| Numista | N#238407 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 94% |
Comment
Based on Gratzer-Fishman "The First Round Coins of China" these coins were cast ca. 403-378 BC in Wangyuan, Wei State by Marquess Wen and Wu.Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features a unique combination of both ancient Chinese characters and a mythical creature, the qilin, on its design. The qilin is a creature said to have the body of a deer, the scales of a fish, the tail of an ox, and the horns of a unicorn, and it is considered a symbol of good luck and prosperity in Chinese culture. The inclusion of this creature on the coin may suggest that the State of Wei valued these qualities and sought to convey them through their currency.