Gold leaf on Bronze Cowrie

May 2026

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These are the height of cowry value and rarity. I have other examples where bits of gold leaf have survived on a bronze cowry but this one is still mostly covered. It has not been heavily cleaned and that is why the very thin gold layer is retained on this example.
I and others speculate that these were valuable gift items from royalty and/or grave items. Note: the photo is poor here so I will re-post another at a later date. Also watch links here and in the Library for an extensive article of ancient cowries written by a famous Chinese researcher.
This is how Bob Reis (anythinganywhere.com) describes gold wrapped imitation 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. 19 x 16 x 2.5 mm.; 1.55 gm. RARE!

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 ]