White Jade Cowrie - China - Museum Gallery

May 2026

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Confirmed jade cowries are much more valuable than the other types. It's nicely rounded, has two holes, and attention to the details of groove and teeth are clear. The most valuable jade is the white variety, this has plenty of occlusions and therefore is not supreme quality jade. The only more valuable type are the gilt clad bronze, an example of which is here in the Museum.
25.5 x 20 x 9.5 mm

Moneta Library has articles on Cowries to VIEW and DOWNLOAD:
The Worlds's First Money, Chinese Cowries and Their Imitations - by Ted Puls: [ link ]
Cowries - Bob Reis: [ link ]
Origin of Cowries in Ancient China - UofPa: [ link ]
Metallic Cowries - Royal Asiatic Society: [ link ]
Nice Video on Cowrie history: [ link ]
An excellent article in ANA's "Numismatist" magazine, Oct 2017 > [ link ]
SEE how far back in time decorative sea shells were important to prehistoric man at his : [ link ]
Interested in Primitive Money? Then check out this YouTube video created by Kagins Auctions featuring Bob Leonard and Charles Opitz upon the massive sale in March 2021. Click this: [ link ]