Cowrie shells appear as items of value and ceremony in the far western inland of China during the Neolithic era. Use became widespread during the Shang (circa 1766-1154 BC) and Zhou Dynasties and tapered off with the rise of bronze money in the Qin and Han Dynasties. The area where they were was commonly used was almost exclusively to the north of the Yangtze River, with few discoveries south. There are inscriptions referencing cowries and they have been discovered in large quantities (thousands) in tombs. Cowries were imitated in bone, jade and bronze. Two species are most commonly found: Monetaria annulus (Cypraea annulus) and Monetaria moneta (Cypraea moneta). Here are a few ancient cowrie shells from China listed by David Harthill as 1.1 "cowrie shell with backs filed off". Reference: Harthill, D (2017), Chinese Cast Coins, Second Edition, New Generation Publishing Peng, K (1995), New Research on the Origin of Cowries in Ancient China Post cowrie shells, bone, jade, or bronze imitation cowries, proto-money, or anything else that you find interesting or entertaining.
Yes, the "ant nose" and "ghost face" coins are bronze cowrie imitations that have evolved from grave goods to currency. The names derive from the appearance of the archaic inscriptions, which can resemble an insect or a face.
Here's one that I am unsure how to attribute - I think it is Chinese, but not sure whether it is ancient, or something else. Posting in case someone on CT has ideas....
The coin looks Chinese to me. However, I am unsure if its age. The ones I saw have openings in the middle, like my example here (sorry for the poor lighting).
