Recently I have been digging through coins that I've acquired over the years. They were NOT what I was collecting at the time, but were picked up around the edges of other trades. Because of that, they were put in a box and ignored -- up until now. I find I am getting a fair amount of enjoyment out of looking into these coins. I admit up front that I am a lowly novice in these types. But... a good deal of my amusement is in that not knowing! Any and all tutelage about these coins will be humbly and gratefully accepted! The left coin is from, I believe, the Han Dynasty, ~206BC-220AD. I am unsure on the differences between the Western Han and the Eastern Han dynasties, and thus where this coin may fit more specifically. How can I know? The middle coin, I believe, may be the Qin Dynasty, 221-206BC. The right coin, (I am taking a shot here), may be from the Song Dynasty. Perhaps more specifically, the Northern Song Dynasty, 1056-1063AD. Am I wildly lucky in my guesses, or horribly off-base? Corrections will not hurt my feelings! On the contrary, I would appreciate the education. Thank you!
I'm going left to right. The first coin is a Wu Zhu from the Eastern Han Dynasty. The way to tell is to look at the strokes of the zhu component of Zhu; if they are straight, then it is Western Han, and if they are curved, then it is Eastern Han. Compare below: (Interesting fact: The character "Zhu" is made up of two components: the left one is "Jin," which means "metal," and the right one is "zhu," which roughly means "red." Put the two together, and you get "red metal," or bronze/copper.) The second coin is a Ban Liang that mimics the style of the coins cast by the Qin, but this one was made in the Western Han dynasty circa 160-120 BC. It looks to be 23-25mm and probably weighs 2-3g. Typically, Qin coins are over 30mm in diameter and over 5-6g. I see Jia You Tong Bao, which fits squarely with the date range you posted.
Acckk! Arrrggg! Egad! Although I occasionally feel that way, no, I am not 94 years old. The birthdate should read "1962" rather than "1922." Oh... the shame at not better proofing what I typed at sign-up. Sorry. Thanks stevex6 for pointing out my premature geriatric condition. I owe you and your dear ol' Dad a pint. I guess I need to find an Admin to bring back forty years of my life...
@TypeCoin971793 Wow, in a few short paragraphs you have given me a more useful education than my muddling through many a website. Thank you, thank you. Now I am more intrigued. Makes me want to dig up a coin from each dynasty that produced coins.
Well, questions answered already but I would suggest if you have much interest, buy "Cast Chinese Coinage" by David Hartill. It is the new standard work on ancient to modern Chinese coins. Costs around $50, you can get it anywhere (even from the Author, but he is in UK, so consider shipping). It wont go out of print as it is a print on demand book.
That looks like a great reference. I shall keep my eyes open for it. Is it actually bound like a book?
Hartill is divided into ~25 sections many of which are Dynasties. Most would consider that an odd way to collect and you will find some of his groups a lot harder to find than others. There are a few Dynasties that produced the vast majority of coins we see sold (Songs leading?). Most beginner collectors will have a few hundred of them for each Rebel coin but your method is up to you.
There are several ways to collect Chinese coins, so don't don't feel obligated to collect any one way. The one-from each dynasty is a rewarding collection, especially if you get on from each warring state/kingdom. Lots of fascinating history there. I primarily collect pre-618 AD coins, but I like to pick up hole-fillers when I can.
Part of what is fun about digging into coins that I have acquired "around the edges" (coins in areas in which I have not studied or specialized) is that it immediately opens another whole world of ooohs and aaaahs. And history. And more. Thank you all!
@TypeCoin971793, is that photo just the miscellany in the carpet under your desk, or perhaps in your junk box? [Interesting! Lovely! I'm guessing I need a copy of the aforementioned David Hartill book before I begin to have a clue as to what they all are.]
i have a few of these, not enough to spring for the book. here's a great place to start with chinese coins... http://primaltrek.com/chinesecoins.html and some others i like... http://www.calgarycoin.com/reference/china/china.htm#index http://www.history.ucsb.edu/faculty/roberts/coins/Chinese coins/index.html
Nice suggestions @chrsmat71. The Primal Trek website alone looks like it could give me a big headstart. Thank you.
These are the better coins in my collection that I staged on an 8 1/2" x 11" sheet of paper for the fun of it.
