The enigmatic AE Bu Quan "Cloth Coin" of Emperor Wang Mang (ca. 10-14 CE)

Xin Dynsty
Wang Mang
AE Bu Quan (26mm, 3.52g)
O: Bu Quan, Double rim with two portrutions radiating from the upper left and right corner of the inner rim
R: Blank as made
Hartill 9.71
Wang Mang, Gratzer & Fishman C4.7(a) (Pg. 77).
NOTE: Scarse issue

From my research, this is a very enigmatic issue. It seems to have been limited geographically to Shaanxi and Henan, and no one can say for sure when it was minted (either pre-3rd reform, or beginning of 3rd reform). The prevailing consensus is that these coins were probably intended as a sort of emergency replacement for the Wu Zhus in circulation. Whatever the reason for being, we know these coins were not popular and only lasted for a brief time.

HOWEVER, they seemed to have revived in popularity after Wang Mang's death as a sort of amulet. They became known as "male coins", or "male cash", and it was believed that if a woman wore one on her sash, she would give birth to a boy. .
So if any of you guys and gals are hoping for a new baby boy, it's time to order one of these.

Here is the reference from my Wang Mang catalog book by Gratzer and Fisher. I think mine is definitely of the same type as C4.7(a) on page 77.

 

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Cool coin @Sallent ! The Hartill books are pretty cheap. I think I forked over $30 for mine. I was told that the pictures / drawings in the book fairly represent the actual size of the coins. You can literally lay them on the pics to ensure if same.

 

Same in the Wang Mang catalog I have, it's life size. But still, I don't have Hartill yet, which is why I was asking if anyone had that reference #.

 

Hartill 9.71

Nice looking coin!

 

"I was told that the pictures / drawings in the book fairly represent the actual size of the coins. You can literally lay them on the pics to ensure if same."

That is true.

 

Nice addition and your reference book looks pretty sweet @Sallent

 

Great piece. The characters are very sharp and the patina is highly desirable.. This is my opinion may have been an AU ancient coin...

The volume and variety of Wang Mang coins are baffling. This was one of the reasons behind his unpopularity as well. He has more coinage varieties than a few dynasties combined...

 

Well, I'm personally glad for the variety. More to collect, but I can see why his people hated it all.

Thanks for the kind comments. You should all feel free to share your own examples.

 

Sadly I don't have much Wang Mang.

 

It's ok. I'll keep hunting more cool Wang Mang examples to share with you guys.

 

No Wang Mang here...and not much desire to collect. Sure the coin is historically interesting but I need pictures too! My tokens fill my need to collect coins with letters only.

 

Some of Wang Mang coins are Uber rare and expensive.. like his "key" shaped coins

 

I have some common Wang Mang examples... 'Twas a weird time for China...


China Wang Mang 14-22 CE FSR 125


China Wang Mang 7-23 CE Hsin AE Cash Xiao Quan Zhi Yi H 9.14


China Wang Mang 7-23 CE Xin Dyn AE 5 Zhu 23mm Huo Quan H 9.43


China Wang Mang 14-22 CE FSR 124


China Wang Mang 14-22 CE FSR 155 H 9.34


China Wang Mang 14-22 CE FSR 150


China Wang Mang 14-22 CE Huo Chuan FSR 149


China Wang Mang 7-27 CE AE 5 Zhu Xin Dynasty - Emperor 5 Zhu stroke to lower left

 

I will write about the meaning of "Bu/Pu" tomorrow when I am more rested. Sure, it means cloth, but it also means "spade" when referenced to the coins. But exactly when the switch happened is up to conjecture. More on that tomorrow.

I thought these were from the Fifth Reform, which brought a coinage similar to those in place before, while still outlawing the prior coinage. Most are seen in a high grade, meaning they did not circulate well.

Right now, I am not hoping for a baby of any gender, not that any of my activities would lead to any risk of that happening...

Those are mot as hard to find as one may think. I got mine for less than $100.

 

I am not actively collecting Chinese anymore, but here is my Bu Quan example.