Moneta's Temple and Gallery

China - Lead imitation cowrie

Moneta — Sat, 06 Apr 2024 17:30:58 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: The Chinese cataloger states that this is an early lead type from the Zhou Dynasty manufactured before 750 B.C.E. It's 13 x 30 mm and weighs 6.67 g. Hartill has a related type as H# 1.2, VF and retains burial deposits.

China - Green Bone imitation cowrie, encased

Moneta — Sat, 06 Apr 2024 16:50:36 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: Here's another green bone cowrie, this one encased in China. The label states "Pre-Qin [dynasty] Shanxi Bone Shell." This is 40.1 x 12.2 mm and weighs 1.39 g.

China - Green Bone imitation cowrie

Moneta — Sat, 06 Apr 2024 16:41:45 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: Green bone cowries are scarcer than natural colored ones and are often well craved. The green color comes from being found in or near bronze burial vessels. This one has two small holes and is 32 x 21mm.

Zhou Silver covered Cowrie

Moneta — Sun, 19 Mar 2023 16:52:56 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: ZHOU: Anonymous, 1000-700 BC, silvered AE cowrie (6.09g), H-1, silvered bronze imitation cowrie shell money, usual encrustation, EF, ex Dr. Dirk Löer Collection. Cowrie shells, in Chinese called bèi, were used as money probably since around 2000 BC, from the Shang dynasty up through the Zhou dynasty. The cowries were an intelligent solution to make "small money" because they were collected in seas far south of China and only kings could afford to import them. Furthermore natural shells were impossible to counterfeit. Later imitations were made of various materials: bone, stone, jade, clay, bronze, and even silver and bronze with gold plating. [Steve Album Auction site for photo and text]. After many years of collecting these this is the first silver covered bronze cowrie I have ever seen (rather than plated or solid). So this is a borrowed photo to ensure I have the most complete Museum of cowries and their imitations on the web.

China - Straight Knife Money, Zhao

Moneta — Fri, 09 Sep 2022 22:48:39 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: T. P. Collection. These were issued in a few places within the State of Zhao between 300 - 250 B.C.E. Here is an example of Hartill # 4.75 which are described as Type 6, Straight Knife Money. This example weights 5.6 g. and measures 140 x 16 mm. Bottom specimen is 114 mm x 12 mm. Hartill # 4.75. Obverse characters are "Lin" which is a place name. Some of the earliest money was made in China, where coins were cast in the shape of tools such as spades and knives. Utilitarianly worthless, these token objects recollected real implements with actual utility value, items that had traditionally been bartered for livestock and land. The change to a make-believe version in the 7th century BCE increased commerce by easing exchange “ i.e., friction was reduced by lightning the load“ but these coins reminded people at every trade that money was merely symbolic. Knife and spade money arguably countered the abstraction of wealth and the concomitant distortion of values. [NNP, Newman Numismatic Portal article]

China - Straight Knife Money, Zhao (2 examples)

Moneta — Fri, 09 Sep 2022 20:22:23 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: T. P. Collection. These were issued in a few places within the State of Zhao between 300 - 250 B.C.E. Here are two examples of Hartill # 4.60 which are described as Type 6, Straight Knife Money. The top example weights 9.6 g. and measures 140 x 16 mm. Bottom specimen is 149 mm x 17 mm. Hartill # 4.60. Obverse characters are 'Bai Bi' (Bai [Ren] coin. Some of the earliest money was made in China, where coins were cast in the shape of tools such as spades and knives. Utilitarianly worthless, these token objects recollected real implements with actual utility value, items that had traditionally been bartered for livestock and land. The change to a make-believe version in the 7th century BCE increased commerce by easing exchange “ i.e., friction was reduced by lightning the load“ but these coins reminded people at every trade that money was merely symbolic. Knife and spade money arguably countered the abstraction of wealth and the concomitant distortion of values. [NNP, Newman Numismatic Portal article]

China - Ming Knife Money, State of Qi or Yan

Moneta — Fri, 09 Sep 2022 19:44:37 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: T. P. Collection. This is an example of Ming Knife money (Type 5). Hartill #4.45 These knives take their name from the obverse character "Ming." There are many different reverse characters documented in David Hartill's "Cast Chinese Coins." This knife is 116mm x 16 mm. A hoard of these knives was found at Jiaqing in Boshan in eastern Shandong. Current research has these cast between 284 and 279 B.C.E. by the State of Yan while it occupied most of the territory of Qi. Some of the earliest money was made in China, where coins were cast in the shape of tools such as spades and knives. Utilitarianly worthless, these token objects recollected real implements with actual utility value, items that had traditionally been bartered for livestock and land. The change to a make-believe version in the 7th century BCE increased commerce by easing exchange “ i.e., friction was reduced by lightning the load“ but these coins reminded people at every trade that money was merely symbolic. Knife and spade money arguably countered the abstraction of wealth and the concomitant distortion of values. [NNP, Newman Numismatic Portal article]

China - Pointed Tip Knife Money, State of Yan

Moneta — Fri, 09 Sep 2022 18:42:27 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: T. P. Collection. This is an example of Pointed Tip Knife money (Type 3). Here the obverse character is 'Ba' (eight). These knives are well documented in David Hartill's "Cast Chinese Coins." Like most knife coins these are mainly found in the NE of China, this type is associated with the State of Yan. This knife is 20 cm x 14.8 mm. Hartill # 4.17

China - Ming Knife Money

Moneta — Fri, 09 Sep 2022 17:55:42 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: T. P. Collection. This is an example of Ming Knife money (Type 4). Waiting clarification on Hartill #4.x These knives take their name from the obverse character "Ming" which looks much like a human eye. There are many different reverse characters documented in David Hartill's "Cast Chinese Coins." This knife is 13.5 cm x 15 mm. A mint for these knives has been found in Xiadu, to the southwest of Peking. They've been found across a number of Chinese provinces, Korea and even Japan. Some of the earliest money was made in China, where coins were cast in the shape of tools such as spades and knives. Utilitarianly worthless, these token objects recollected real implements with actual utility value, items that had traditionally been bartered for livestock and land. The change to a make-believe version in the 7th century BCE increased commerce by easing exchange “ i.e., friction was reduced by lightning the load“ but these coins reminded people at every trade that money was merely symbolic. Knife and spade money arguably countered the abstraction of wealth and the concomitant distortion of values. [NNP, Newman Numismatic Portal article]

China - Qi Knife Money from Shandong

Moneta — Thu, 08 Sep 2022 19:35:55 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: T.P. Collection. David Hartill describes this series of Type 1 knife as being attributed to the State of Qi in the Shandong province region. Archaeological information indicates that the Qi knives are from the Warring States period (400 - 220 B.C.). This example appears to have 5 or 6 characters. OB: An Yang Zhi Fa Hua (An Yang's Legal Money); the reverse can be found with 11 different characters, here the reverse (type 'j') is the character 'gong.' The width here is 2.5 cm x 18 cm. Hartill # 4.1 j

China - Hollow Handled Pointed Shoulder Spade money

Moneta — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 18:16:18 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: T. P. Collection. This is a nice long hollow handled spade money, Type 3, with Pointed Shoulders (500 - 400 B.C.). These types are found in N.E. Henan and Shanxi provinces, territory of the Duchy of Jin, then later Zhao. This Hartill # 3.182 is a slightly smaller version with no inscriptions. This example is 25.2 grams, size 139 mm x 65 mm wide at tip of points. Some of the earliest money was made in China, where coins were cast in the shape of tools such as spades and knives. Utilitarianly worthless, these token objects recollected real implements with actual utility value, items that had traditionally been bartered for livestock and land. The change to a make-believe version in the 7th century BCE increased commerce by easing exchange “ i.e., friction was reduced by lightning the load“ but these coins reminded people at every trade that money was merely symbolic. Knife and spade money arguably countered the abstraction of wealth and the concomitant distortion of values. [NNP, Newman Numismatic Portal article]

China - Arched Foot Spade money

Moneta — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 17:53:04 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: T. P. Collection. This is a flat handled spade, Type 1 of the Arched Foot type (400 - 300 B.C. ). OB: "An Yi Er Jin" (An Yi two Jin), here the inscription is inverted; Rx: plain. These wonderful types are associated with the State of Liang (aka Wei) and the State of Han. Hartill # 3.10 has the following note: "In the Warring States Period An Yi, in S.W. Shanxi, was the capital of the State of Liang (Wei). This specimen is 27.9 grams and 41 x 65 mm. Some of the earliest money was made in China, where coins were cast in the shape of tools such as spades and knives. Utilitarianly worthless, these token objects recollected real implements with actual utility value, items that had traditionally been bartered for livestock and land. The change to a make-believe version in the 7th century BCE increased commerce by easing exchange “ i.e., friction was reduced by lightning the load“ but these coins reminded people at every trade that money was merely symbolic. Knife and spade money arguably countered the abstraction of wealth and the concomitant distortion of values. [NNP, Newman Numismatic Portal article]

China - Pointed foot Spade - Zhao

Moneta — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 17:33:57 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: T. P. Collection. Part of the family of flat handled spade money, this Type 2 is a Pointed Foot spade (350 - 250 B.C.) from the State of Zhao. This a smaller type, OB: "Da Yin" with characters on the left. This is example is 4.3 grams and 52 x 30 mm. Hartill #3.62 Some of the earliest money was made in China, where coins were cast in the shape of tools such as spades and knives. Utilitarianly worthless, these token objects recollected real implements with actual utility value, items that had traditionally been bartered for livestock and land. The change to a make-believe version in the 7th century BCE increased commerce by easing exchange “ i.e., friction was reduced by lightning the load“ but these coins reminded people at every trade that money was merely symbolic. Knife and spade money arguably countered the abstraction of wealth and the concomitant distortion of values. [NNP, Newman Numismatic Portal article]

China - Square Foot spade

Moneta — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 17:17:31 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: T. P. Collection. Square Foot spade of the Dang Jin type (350 - 250 B.C.). OB: "Pei Bi Dang Jin" with the top two characters reversed. 33 grams and 103 mm tall. Hartill # 3.471

China - Solid Bronze Cowrie

Moneta — Sun, 26 Jun 2022 20:21:41 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: T. P.Collection. This rare cowrie is the solid metal type. It's size is unknown and may be a type from Thailand. I think Opitz places these as being made in Burma and extremely rare.

1 comment

China - White Stone Casket Cowrie

Moneta — Sun, 26 Jun 2022 20:17:13 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: T. P. Collection. Often cowries are found with this casket like shape. this one is 18 x 12 mm and hails from Xiajiadan.

China - Gray Bone Cowrie Money

Moneta — Sun, 26 Jun 2022 20:14:02 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: T. P. Collection. This cowrie with unusual gray color is 23.4 x 18mm in size. Cabachon top style, perpendicular cross lines, 2 holes about 2 mm = small size.

1 comment

China - Split Domed Bone Cowrie

Moneta — Sun, 26 Jun 2022 20:11:36 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: T. P. Collection. This nicely toned brown bone with a prominent cut is 20.2 x 15.8 mm. Note central beveled groove, suggestive of maker, no hole.

1 comment

Chine - Brown Bone Cowrie Money

Moneta — Sun, 26 Jun 2022 20:08:43 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: T. P. Collection. A nicely domed brown bone cowrie that's 21.5 x 15.5 mm. Cabachon top style, perpendicular cross lines, 2 holes about 3 mm = medium size; note rounded bottom of drilled holes.

1 comment

China - Green Bone Cowrie Money

Moneta — Sun, 26 Jun 2022 20:06:38 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: T. P. Collection. This excellent green bone cowrie (stained by the bronze burial vessel) is 21 x 18 mm. Flat top style, perpendicular cross lines, one hole about 6 mm = medium size.

1 comment

China - Bone Cowrie

Moneta — Sun, 26 Jun 2022 20:04:14 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: T. P. Collection. This one is 22.4 x 17.1 mm. Flat top style, angled cross lines, one hole about 6 mm = medium size.

1 comment

China - Bone Cowrie

Moneta — Sun, 26 Jun 2022 20:02:45 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: T. P. Collection. 21 x 15 mm. Flat top style, slight angled cross lines, one hole about 6 mm = medium size, an unusual green bone cowrie.

1 comment

Chine - Bone Cowrie

Moneta — Sun, 26 Jun 2022 20:00:54 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: T. P. Collection. Nicely made bone that's 19 x 14.9 mm. Note central beveled groove, suggestive of maker.

1 comment

China - Stone Cowrie Money

Moneta — Tue, 03 May 2022 18:58:12 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: T. P. Collection. This stone example is 18.6 x 12.2 mm. Hartill # 1.2, but made of white stone.

China - Bronze Imitation Cowrie

Moneta — Tue, 03 May 2022 18:55:22 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: T. P. Collection. Really nice bronze imitation cowries are scarcer than you might think. This one is 23.5 x 16 mm and 2 g.

China - Stone with Tortoise Shell Engraving

Moneta — Tue, 03 May 2022 18:50:12 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: T. P. Collection. This is a very unusual type in that it doesn't imitate a cowrie shell but rather the shell of a turtle or tortoise. One could infer here a symbolic throwback to the ancient Chinese divining method of heating tortoise shells and throwing them in water to divine the future, or the path to be followed, from the cracks formed in the shell. This rare piece is 10 x 16 and 1.8 g.

China - Stone Cowrie with large cavity

Moneta — Tue, 03 May 2022 18:42:51 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: T. P. Collection. This is an unusual variety with a single slit hole at the bottom of a large cavity, the stone here is a softer type, probably stained limestone. It's 27.8 X 20.5 mm and 5.7 g. A distinctive variety, somewhat realistic carving of shell, one reverse hole 10 mm; transverse slits carved asymmetrically, not simply straight across which is typical for carved cowrie.

1 comment

China - Green Stone or Jade Imitation Cowrie

Moneta — Tue, 03 May 2022 18:37:13 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: T. P. Collection. This is a very similar type of stone material (possibly poor quality jade) to the example found in the Opitz collection, except without the graffiti on the back. Like that piece this one is rather large at 43 x 28 mm and 18.4 g. Cabachon top style and back perpendicular cross lines; 1 holes about 2 mm = small size.

1 comment

China - Green Jade imitation cowrie

Moneta — Tue, 03 May 2022 18:31:58 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: T. P. Collection. A scarce type made of jade, or in this case a quality jadeite. Most examples are domed with speckled poor quality jade or green stone, this specimen is made of a fine translucent jade. 23.1 x 17.6 mm at 3 g. Cabachon top style, perpendicular cross lines, lines cut evenly across slit, 2 holes about 2 mm = small size.

1 comment

China - Stone carved imitation cowrie

Moneta — Tue, 03 May 2022 18:23:49 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: T. P. Collection. Stone carved imitation cowries are rather common, however, here the maker incorporated the interior elements of a natural shell by drilling out two cavities while retaining the teeth and mouth structure on the flipside. This is 20.5 x 15.3 mm at 2.9 g. The T. P. Collection also has examples with four cavities carved out.

China - Round & Domed Shell Imitation Cowrie

Moneta — Tue, 03 May 2022 18:15:48 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: T. P. Collection. An unusual type that still shows traces of having been coated in red ochre at one time. Archeological finds of pre-human homonims found in South Africa include chunks of red ochre and ochre covered bone remains. I can imagine this was done to symbolically re-animate the dead with red blood-like color. This example is 33 - 37 mm and 7.9 g. Hartill # 1.2 (except shell rather than bone).

China - Shell imitation cowrie

Moneta — Tue, 03 May 2022 18:05:05 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: T. P. Collection. Another example of a shell imitation cowrie of the usual thin type, here 4 holes were drilled to form the mouth. Hartill 1.2 (except shell rather than bone); 27.3 x 19.5 mm. Likely fresh water oyster or clam.

1 comment

China - Mother of Pearl Shell Imitation Cowrie

Moneta — Tue, 03 May 2022 18:00:31 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: T. P. Collection. They don't come much finer that this example of an imitation cowrie (C. Moneta) made of shell. Hartill doesn't detail all the classification sub-types possible in the imitation cowrie series, so we'll go with Hartill # 1.2, 19.5 x 13.2 mm. Note similarity to the stone/marble geometric style imitation = hole near the top, and diamond shape.

1 comment

China - Black Bone Imitation Cowrie

Moneta — Tue, 03 May 2022 17:53:46 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: T. P. Collection. Here's another fine example of a black bone imitation cowrie. Hartill # 1.2; 24 x 14 mm and .9 g.

China - Black Bone Imitation Cowrie

Moneta — Tue, 03 May 2022 17:50:08 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: T. P. Collection. Here a well domed bone imitation cowrie has taken on the black characteristics of it's surrounding burial medium. Hartill # 1.2; 25 x 20 mm and 2.7 g. Cabachon style obverse, perpendicular cross lines that were cut across slot (not always done this way), one hole reverse, ca. 3 mm hole = small.

1 comment

China - Green Bone Imitation Cowrie

Moneta — Tue, 03 May 2022 17:44:22 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: T. P. Collection. Like natural cowries, green bone imitation types are rarely encountered when they were buried within bronze vessels. Hartill # 1.2; 23.1 x 18.3 and 2.1 g. Cabachon top style, perpendicular cross lines, 2 holes about 2 mm = small size

1 comment

China - Greenish Natural Cowrie Money

Moneta — Tue, 03 May 2022 17:39:26 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: T. P. Collection. Depending on the condition, based upon storage and soil characteristics, natural cowries can be found with unusual colors from the common chalky white varieties. Green cowries probably mean the shell took on the green copper characteristics of a buried bronze vessel. Hartill # 1.1; 21 x 14 mm green annularis.

China - Black C. Annularis w/ filed back

Moneta — Tue, 03 May 2022 17:34:20 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: T. P. Collection. Depending on the condition, based upon storage and soil characteristics, natural cowries can be found with unusual colors. Green cowries probably mean the shell took on the green copper characteristics of a buried bronze vessel. Here is a black natural specimen that may mean it took on the characteristics of the surrounding soil. Hartill # 1.1 that's 17 x 12 mm and .9 g.

China - Black Natural Cowrie

Moneta — Tue, 03 May 2022 17:30:24 -0400

China - Ghost Face Clay Money w/holes

Moneta — Tue, 03 May 2022 17:20:09 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: T. P. Collection. Rarely seen Ghost Face Clay Money. This specimen is 20.7 x 1 mm and 1.6 g. and has a couple of holes. Two reverse holes plus one obverse hole. Presumably referenced to "EARLY ROUND COINS OF CHINA" by A.M. FISHER & H. GRATZER as A7.14d

1 comment

China - Ghost Face Clay Money

Moneta — Tue, 03 May 2022 17:16:38 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: T. P. Collection. Rarely seen Ghost Face Clay Money. This specimen is 20.4 x 17 mm and 1.6 g. and is absent any holes. No reverse holes, no obverse hole. Presumably referenced to "EARLY ROUND COINS OF CHINA" by A.M. FISHER & H. GRATZER as A7.14c

1 comment

China - Mongolia Gold Covered Bronze Cowrie

Moneta — Tue, 03 May 2022 17:02:08 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: T. P. Collection (not physically in the Moneta Museum). General type is Hartill # 1.3 as a bronze cowrie, here this very scarce variety that has been wrapped in a thin gold foil, reportedly a type often found in today's Mongolia. This is an exceptional example that is clearly authentic. It's 29 mm in length, weight figure to follow. Moneta Library has articles on Cowries to VIEW and DOWNLOAD: The Worlds's First Money, Chinese Cowries and Their Imitations - by Ted Puls http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/The%20Worlds%20Oldest%20Money%20_Cowries_Ted%20Puls.pdf Cowries - Bob Reis: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/COWRIES_Reis.pdf Origin of Cowries in Ancient China - UofPa: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Origin%20of%20Cowries%20in%20Ancient%20China.pdf Metallic Cowries - Royal Asiatic Society: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Metallic%20Cowries%20-%20Royal%20Asiatic%20Society.pdf Nice Video on Cowrie history: http://tinyurl.com/CowrieVideo

CHINA - Green Jade Imitation Cowrie - Ex. Detroit Money Museum

Moneta — Sun, 23 May 2021 22:54:19 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: I was the lucky winner in Kagin's Auction (Mar 2021) Lot# 4233. It consisted of 19 examples that were previously in the Nate S Shapiro Collection and displayed at the Detroit Money Museum. These were acquired before 1960 but were sold when the Museum closed (~1992). In ancient China cowrie seashells (Cyprea Moneta & C. Annulus) were so valuable that imitations were made to serve as money and grave items. This very rare example is unusually large and beautiful. It appears to be fashioned out of green jadeite, which is to say JADE!. It's 75 mm long, 41.5 mm wide, and 20 mm thick, it weights 72.5 grams. So, how's that for the first "Green Back?" It features the carved 'teeth' of a natural cowrie but this example also shows a carving on the back which is a large circle with a 'X' through it that has serifs at the two ends that are visible. All of the number tags, unfortunately glued to most of the specimens in the museum collection, are a characteristic of all Charles Opitz collection pieces. Moneta Library has articles on Cowries to VIEW and DOWNLOAD: The Worlds's First Money, Chinese Cowries and Their Imitations - by Ted Puls http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/The%20Worlds%20Oldest%20Money%20_Cowries_Ted%20Puls.pdf Cowries - Bob Reis: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/COWRIES_Reis.pdf Origin of Cowries in Ancient China - UofPa: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Origin%20of%20Cowries%20in%20Ancient%20China.pdf Metallic Cowries - Royal Asiatic Society: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Metallic%20Cowries%20-%20Royal%20Asiatic%20Society.pdf Nice Video on Cowrie history: http://tinyurl.com/CowrieVideo

China - Silver Cowrie

Moneta — Sun, 07 Oct 2018 21:29:22 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: As usual there's no provenance on this but Mr. Ted Puls says these are a type from the area of Thailand. This 16 mm, 4 gram silver cowrie takes the form of an archaic period holed cowrie and is well worn in the hole. Rare, and compare to the other solid silver cowrie found here in the Moneta Museum. Just when I thought that there wasn't another cowrie type and material to be found, I lucked on to this one by way of the Czech Republic. I can imagine that a lot of these on a necklace might have made nice jewelry piece for the ladies of Asia at the time. VIEW & or DOWNLOAD: Moneta Library has articles on Cowries to VIEW and DOWNLOAD: The Worlds's First Money, Chinese Cowries and Their Imitations - by Ted Puls http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/The%20Worlds%20Oldest%20Money%20_Cowries_Ted%20Puls.pdf Cowries - Bob Reis: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/COWRIES_Reis.pdf Origin of Cowries in Ancient China - UofPa: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Origin%20of%20Cowries%20in%20Ancient%20China.pdf Metallic Cowries - Royal Asiatic Society: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Metallic%20Cowries%20-%20Royal%20Asiatic%20Society.pdf Nice Video on Cowrie history: http://tinyurl.com/CowrieVideo

Ancient Chinese Gold covered Bronze Cowrie

Moneta — Sat, 02 Apr 2016 20:43:33 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: This is a recently acquired and second example of a gold leaf covered bronze cowry shell of ancient China. These are not completely understood as to their place in monetary history. Most likely they were used after real cowries had been replaced by imitations of made of many materials. They are most often found in graves which conveys the respect, associated with value, shown to the deceased. Actually, these very early objects of value' are the first bimetallic and clad 'coins' in history. The gold foil style of coating ended use in China ca. 600 B.C. Lacquer was used to apply the gold. Mercury fire gilding was used after this time. This is how Bob Reis (anythinganywhere.com) describes gold wrapped cowries: Shanxi, ZHOU Dynasty, 1122-255 BC, State of Jin, c. 600-500 BC, imitation cowrie, gold wrapped bronze, 23x28mm, 4.32g, H1.3 dirty, crusty, F $250.00 Moneta Library has articles on Cowries to VIEW and DOWNLOAD: The Worlds's First Money, Chinese Cowries and Their Imitations - by Ted Puls http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/The%20Worlds%20Oldest%20Money%20_Cowries_Ted%20Puls.pdf Cowries - Bob Reis: [ link ] Origin of Cowries in Ancient China - UofPa: [ link ] Metallic Cowries - Royal Asiatic Society: [ link ] Nice Video on Cowrie history: [ link ]

1 comment

Lead Cowrie

Moneta — Sat, 30 Jun 2012 15:22:25 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: With the addition of this cowrie imitation made of Lead this just about concludes a complete exibit of all the known types of cowrie money of ancient China. This type of very large and heavy lead cowrie is known to be from the very late period of imitation cowries, during the Warring States period. It's probably unknown if these were used as trade money or were offered as grave articles. 34mm and 43.7 g, worn with patina but in great condition. RARE! Moneta Library has articles on Cowries, Wang Mang & Money Trees to VIEW and DOWNLOAD: The Worlds's First Money, Chinese Cowries and Their Imitations - by Ted Puls http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/The%20Worlds%20Oldest%20Money%20_Cowries_Ted%20Puls.pdf Cowries - Bob Reis: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/COWRIES_Reis.pdf Origin of Cowries in Ancient China - UofPa: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Origin%20of%20Cowries%20in%20Ancient%20China.pdf Metallic Cowries - Royal Asiatic Society: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Metallic%20Cowries%20-%20Royal%20Asiatic%20Society.pdf Also a Wang Mang Articles: Wang Mang - Robert Tye: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/WANG%20MANG_Tye.pdf Nice Video on Cowrie history: http://tinyurl.com/CowrieVideo

Ceramic Clay Cowrie

Moneta — Sat, 30 Jun 2012 15:12:18 -0400

by: Moneta

Description: China primitive money, ceramic clay imitation cowrie, ~ 800 BC or later. During shang Dynasty (1766 BC - 1154 BC), natural cowrie shell were widely used as a form of primitive money or grave article. Later during Zhou dynasty, bone, pottery and bronze imitation cowries were made to substitute the natural cowries. 33 mm (L) X 19 mm (W) / 2.83g Moneta Library has articles on Cowries to VIEW and DOWNLOAD: The Worlds's First Money, Chinese Cowries and Their Imitations - by Ted Puls http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/The%20Worlds%20Oldest%20Money%20_Cowries_Ted%20Puls.pdf Cowries - Bob Reis: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/COWRIES_Reis.pdf Origin of Cowries in Ancient China - UofPa: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Origin%20of%20Cowries%20in%20Ancient%20China.pdf Metallic Cowries - Royal Asiatic Society: http://www.moneta-coins.com/library/Metallic%20Cowries%20-%20Royal%20Asiatic%20Society.pdf Nice Video on Cowrie history: http://tinyurl.com/CowrieVideo

Ming Knife rev Gong

Chinacash — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 20:43:59 -0400

by: Chinacash

Description: State of Yan (Warring States period) 400-220BC Ming Knife Chime Stone Shape Hartill 4.43 Rev 1r (Gong) 137mm, 15.4g

1 comment

H9.30

crawforde — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 16:31:47 -0500

by: crawforde

4 comments

H 7.3

crawforde — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 14:30:00 -0500

by: crawforde