http://www.coinsweekly.com/en/News/4?&id=1801 http://www.coinsweekly.com/images/8539_903c4316.jpg Money-grubbing par exellance!
Strange but Darn I like it. $50 I expect they probably charging and arm and a leg for one (didn't look that far, didn't wanna cry)
It's rather cool, but it stretches the definition of a coin to the point where it's no longer a coin - more like a paperweight.
The first manufactured coin. In China, people were using Cowrie Shells as a medium of currency since the second millennium BC. These were natural shells from the environment and used in exchange for goods and services. THEN- at some point someone said, "hey there is only so many shells to go around." So people began manufacturing "coins" from animal bones, they often cut lines and holes and shaped them like the shells that were so coveted since the time before time. Here you have my example, an early primitive example of a Deer bone Cowrie shell. China Western Zhou Dynasty (1046-771 BC) Deer Bone Primitive Cowrie Shell Imitation 19.0mm (1.69g) Ref: Hartill Type #1.2 Western Zhou Dynasty
It gets to what a coin is. To me, this is just as much a coin as any other nclt. That is why, except for items like AN displayed, i limit my collecting to circulating coinage. To me its the history i like, and any made only for collector pieces have less real history with them. Just my opinion.
It looks unique and I do like the design. But, I doubt I will be getting one, they will most likely charge a huge premium on it.
I really don't like the cylinder coin. It's still a coin and unique- but there have been many coins types of things used as currency. I just dont think thats a coin any more than the ancient faux shell that I showed.There have been all types of items used as coinage. Some on here showed some necklaces, of NA tribes. I have seen Celtic Bronze ring money. I think one of the Polynesian Islands had that giant stone money that was huge. The coins seem super impractical, I mean dont you think you would have to make new coin trays to house the new coins. Vending machines wont take it and you need a pair of MC hammer pants to comfortably circulate these. IMHO.
I don't think it's considered a coin. I typed "definition of coin" into google and it says "flat" object that is stamped. The internet never lies.
And since it wasn't real cowrie...also the first fake? Finally, I can understand the Chinese connection to today's feebay auctions! ...
I like the ancient mythology perspectigve added to the Mercury dime. I honestly think it is interesting. Though I will by no means be buying it.
