© Stacks Bowers
© Stacks Bowers
Qi knife Qi Fa Hua 401 BC - 220 BC
| Bronze (0.54 Cu; 0.38 Pb; 0.08 Sn) | 47.65 g | 181 mm |
| Issuer | State of Qi (Warring States) |
|---|---|
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 401 BC - 220 BC |
| Currency | Knife money (401-220 BC) |
| Composition | Bronze (0.54 Cu; 0.38 Pb; 0.08 Sn) |
| Weight | 47.65 g |
| Diameter | 181 mm |
| Shape | Knife |
| Technique | Cast |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-09 |
| Numista | N#272809 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
Various Chinese ideograms on the blade with three horizontal lines near the tip.
Lettering: 日
Translation: Ri
Edge
Plain
Comment
These are attributed to the State of Qi, and are largely found in the Shandong area. While the characters on the obverse are constant, those on the reverse have a lot of variations.While the four and five character knives are 70% copper, these three character knives has a much lower content at 54%.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Qi knife coin is that it was used as a form of currency during the Warring States period in ancient China, and it was also used as a weapon for self-defense. The coin's unique design, which resembles a knife, allows it to serve both purposes.