Ant-nose Money Tao 400 BC - 220 BC
| Bronze | 3.12 g | - |
| Issuer | State of Chu (Warring States) |
|---|---|
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 400 BC - 220 BC |
| Currency | Ant-nose money (401-220 BC) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 3.12 g |
| Size | 20 mm |
| Shape | Oval (With a hole) |
| Technique | Cast |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-09 |
| Numista | N#272504 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Blank (uniface).
Edge
Plain
Comment
The exact meaning of the ideogram is uncertain; however, with the Chu gold block money having the issuing cities' names on the pieces, on theory is that these ideograms represent cities.There is a lot of variation is size and weight.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Ant-nose Money (Tao) coin from the State of Chu is that it features a unique "ant-nose" design on the obverse (front) side of the coin. This design is believed to have been inspired by the ancient Chinese belief in the "ant-nose" myth, which held that ants could transform into noses, and thus, the design was meant to symbolize the transformation of base metals into valuable currency.
