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Xin Dynasty
Da Bu Huang Qian
新朝
大布黃千
Item number: A1284
Year: AD 10
Material: Bronze
Size: 53.91 x 23.9 mm
Weight: 9.64 g
Provenance: Da Chen Stamps and Coins Collection 2016
This is a “Da Bu Huang Qian” currency, introduced in the 2nd year of the Xin dynasty (10 AD), during the reign of Wang Mang, who usurped the Han dynasty to establish the Xin dynasty. This currency was a product of his third monetary reform, which introduced a complex system called the “Bao Huo Zhi” currency system. The “Da Bu Huang Qian” was one of the Spade Money implemented under this new system
The coin is made of bronze and has an ancient, elegant appearance, resembling the Spade Money of the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods. The obverse features a round hole at the top, with a vertical line running through the centre. On either side of the vertical line are the four seal characters “大布黃千” (“Da Bu Huang Qian”), which are read in the order from right to left, top to bottom.
Spade Money were metal currency models based on spade-shaped agricultural tools, referred to in historical texts as “鎛” (bó) or the homophone “布” (bù). As the first metal currency in Chinese history, Spade Money are often seen in the logos of financial departments and banking institutions in places such as China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Spade Money evolved from the late Shang dynasty through the Warring States period, and ceased to be minted during the Qin dynasty due to the implementation of a unified currency system. However, during the Xin dynasty, Wang Mang revived the use of Spade Money as part of his retrogressive reforms, making them one of the circulating currencies of the time.
Wang Mang’s “Bao Huo Zhi” currency system created many different types of coins made from various materials, shapes, and denominations. Among them, the Spade Money alone were divided into ten categories, with the “Da Bu Huang Qian” being one of the more commonly unearthed types. “Da Bu” is the name of the coin, while “Huang Qian” refers to its value, which is set at one thousand. The seal script inscribed on the Spade Money is renowned for its exceptional calligraphy, regarded as a masterpiece of seal script through the ages. The style is dignified and elevated, elegant and refined, often considered a divine work of art. It has earned lasting fame, and collectors throughout history have universally praised it, regarding it as a rare and priceless treasure.