Ancient Chinese Cash Coin

The coin used in this handcrafted amulet is from China, made and used in the 1700s. The design of this copper alloy coin, round with a square in the middle, originated in China in the fourth century. The round shape symbolizes the dome of heaven and its square center symbolizes the Earth. It was believed that heaven communicated with Earth through the emperor who governed the people and issued the coins. The square hole was also functional: it enabled people to thread them in strings of 100 and 1,000 for ease in carrying and trading.

For thousands of years, these coins were produced in varying sizes by more than 30 different mints throughout China. With the increase of interregional trade, a problem arose: the currency from the different regions was incompatible. During the eleventh and twelfth centuries, the Song dynasty tried to resolve this problem and open up ‘free markets’ by issuing paper money and by forbidding the export of coins in many Chinese regions. During this period, the export of even one string of cash coins brought the death penalty. Follow this link to view our selection of handcafted stone amulets decorated with Chinese Cash Coins.

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