Warring States. Chu (楚) State. Ying Yuan 郢爰 Gold Block money. 5th-4th century BC. Huaxia graded 80. 22.9g. Very rare. The earliest gold currency used in China, they were issued by the Chu State whose territory covered the areas of Hubei and Hunan in China. It was one of the most powerful states during the Warring States period but internal corruption led to its defeat to the powerful Qin State by the First Emperor of China, Qin Shihuangdi in 223BC. The Chu state was the only time in ancient China where gold was officially identified to use as actual circulating currencies whilst others were using bronze or copper as the primary medium of exchange. In fact, gold was not officially used as any form of official currency except as ingots for large value transactions throughout its over 2 millenia history. Chu state (pink) during the warring states period (cir 350 BCE). Source: wikipedia. First excavated in 1974, apart from individually cut pieces, they were also found in complete blocks with the stamps all over it. Cut from a large gold block with multiple stamps on it, this is an attractive, thick and heavy specimen at 22.9g, this specimen has a clear and distinct full inscription 郢爰 in archaic script. For transactional purposes, pieces are cut based on weight rather according to the contours of the stamps often resulting in incomplete inscriptions. Source: Nanjing Museum The Chu state ceased to be after the unification of China under the first emperor Qin Shihuangdi.
Nothing to add except to say WOW! That is a fascinating coin. Way out of my depth but I know enough to recognize it is a rare and desirable piece. Congratulations! I first became aware of these when I saw @AncientJoe ’s beautiful example here.
Thanks.. @AncientJoe piece is indeed astounding too and he managed to present it in a very beautiful display which I deeply admire.. Ying 郢 was the capital city of the Chu state during the Spring Autumn and Warring States period of China. Hence this coin is issued by the capital. Many do have irregular cuts as they were more concerned over weight than using the stamps as some sort of grid.
As an experienced collector of all sorts of things, one lesson that I've learned is that I have to be principled in staying focused on my pre-determined specialty area. Otherwise, I end up with a sprawling smattering of loosely related things and never complete any individual storylines. The ancient coin world makes this extremely difficult, as every other day I learn about something new that leaves me thinking, "I really want one of those!". Now there's one more thing to add to my "be disciplined list". Thanks @Loong Siew !! Or, maybe it's on my "can't afford anyway" list, which isn't as bad for some reason!
Thanks.. I was quiet happy and fortunate to obtain this piece as my key piece for 2021. Being a Asian and Chinese coin collector, historical firsts are within my core theme..Hence being the first gold coin in Chinese history, this is a dream coin I have always hoped to acquire one day..
Fantastic coin @Loong Siew . Incredible find. I am looking for Ancient Chinese gold. I only have their new stuff!
Thanks.. China does not issue gold or even silver unless for very special situations such as rewards or commemoratives. Even those are usually restricted within the palace or officials. To my knowledge, there were no other gold circulating coins for centuries to come except for ingots or reward cash..
Oh, I have their Pandas, but the 1TOZ versions, not the newest 30g versions. But, nothing from earlier Chinese History. I miss travelling China.
