Ancient Chinese coinage includes some of the earliest known coins. These coins, used as early as the Spring and Autumn period (770-476 BCE), took the form of imitations of the cowrie shells that were used in ceremonial exchanges. The same period also saw the introduction of the first metal coins; however, they were not initially round, instead being either knife shaped or spade shaped. Round metal coins with a round, and then later square hole in the center were first introduced around 350 BCE. The beginning of the Qin Dynasty (221-206 BCE),

---

Size: 4288px × 4891px
Location:
Photo credit: © World History Archive / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: ancient, art, arts, ceremonial, china, chinese, coinage, coins, coins., decorative, earliest, glazed, includes, metal, money