While visiting and working with a Biotech company in Shanghi Sept 2 thru Sept 10, 2001...( yes I arrived home the eve of 911) I had the pleasure to visit the Museum of Natural History. The Currency and coin display were incredibile. SOme of the metalic material used for coins did not even resemble coins at all!! They were dated very very early ( can't recall the time period but it was significant) there were armed guards that would only allow you to take images of certain artifacts on display.... SO indeed it was China...by a long shot! If you ever get the chance to go...do it! What an experience!! RickieB