A few weeks ago we discussed this 14th century Chinese banknote. Now I saw this auction, which is held in Dubai next week. There are some more of the same 'pleasing gray mulberry pieces' (est. about 3000 dollars) and also one that's apparently unique banknote of the same age, estimated at 80.000 US$. Remember, the art of printing was first introduced in Europe in the 15th century.
@Pellinore Very nice. I have always admired the Chinese for literally inventing the concept of Fiat Money. Starting with Bronze coiange to represent value vs. commodity value of the underlying metal. Then to paper currency... brilliant. That is a gorgeous piece! I am dabbling in Ancient Chinese coinage, have some books to educate myself, and have a Chinese currency book to pique my interest further. I have a lot of Chinese Currency from my travels, including FEC's from the 80's for transitioning from Hong Kong into China etc. as any Foreigner could not possess Chinese Currency. LOL, me being the stubborn "WHY?" type guy, still absconded and still possess Chinese currency from those times...
It's all very nice, and I really like them medieval Chinese notes. But if I were to spend $3000 on Chinese currency, I'd probably go with cash coins. Three grands will buy you one seriously extensive and impressive collection of cash coins.
I think that's way cool!!! I admit I used to have a big thing about currency collecting, although the oldest I once owned were three examples of American revolutionary War 'Continental Currency'. Now I only have a few notes as souvenirs from SouthEast asia and several Confederate notes. Damn, another area of collecting that's resurfacing
I like the drawing of the cash coins on strings. Its how they were counted, stored, exchanged, etc. Pretty cool.
