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Warring States period
Qi Bei Square Foot Spade
State of Zhao
戰國時期
齊貝方足布
趙國造
Item number: A1272
Year: 361–248 BC
Material: Bronze
Size: 46.9 x 28.8 mm
Weight: 6.1 g
Provenance: Fuchin Coin 2024
This is a square foot spade coin minted by the State of Zhao during the Warring States period. The obverse features a central vertical line extending straight down from the top, dividing the surface into two distinct halves. The inscriptions on the left and right sides of the obverse have been the subject of varied interpretations, with readings such as “Qi Bei” (齊貝), “Qiu Bei” (丘貝), and “Yu Ji” (榆即) proposed. On the reverse, a central vertical line is also present, flanked symmetrically by diagonal lines on either side.
The precise origin and state affiliation of this square foot spade coin (fangzu bu) remain uncertain. However, some scholars suggest it may have been produced in modern-day Yuci (榆次), Shanxi Province. Historically, Yuci initially belonged to the State of Wei before later becoming part of the State of Zhao.
According to Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji), specifically the House of Zhao chapter by Sima Qian, Yuci was attacked by the State of Qin in 248 BC. During this campaign, 37 cities in the region were reportedly captured.
Spade money, also referred to in historical texts as “鎛” or homophonously as “布,” were metal coins shaped like spades, an agricultural tool. As the first form of metallic currency in Chinese history, spade money often appears in the logos of financial departments and banking institutions in regions such as China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. The development of spade money dates from the late Shang Dynasty to the Warring States period, with the Three Jins region (Han, Zhao, and Wei) serving as its core and giving rise to various forms.