© kommodore_ss
© kommodore_ss
5 Zhu - Wen Light type
| Bronze | 3.24 g | 24 mm |
| Issuer | Northern dynasties (Northern and Southern dynasties) |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Western Wei dynasty › Wen (535-551) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 540-556 |
| Value | 5 Zhu |
| Currency | Cash (495-579) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 3.24 g |
| Diameter | 24 mm |
| Shape | Round with a square hole |
| Technique | Cast |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-09 |
| Numista | N#45905 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 70% |
Reverse
Blank (uniface).
Edge
Plain
Comment
The types with a right inner rim were either cast by the Western Wei dynasty (during the Northern dynasties) or the Sui dynasty. While those with very straight lines of Wu were originally attributed to the Sui dynasty, they were re-classified after being found in a tomb of the Western Wei. Those from the Sui dynasty have an hourglass-shaped Wu, and after 585, they are more whitish-yellow in colour due to the change in composition, adding lead and tin.The lighter types (under 3.7 grams) were likely cast after the heavier types (over 3.7 grams).
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Standard circulation coin 5 Zhu - Wen (Light type) (540-556) from Northern dynasties (Northern and Southern dynasties) made of Bronze weighing 3.24 g is that it features a unique blend of both Buddhist and Taoist symbols. The obverse side of the coin depicts a Buddha seated on a lotus throne, while the reverse side features the Taoist symbol of the Eight Trigrams. This blending of religious symbols reflects the cultural and religious diversity of the Northern and Southern dynasties period in Chinese history.
