Ying Yuan () were stamped blocks of gold bullion. This was an early form of
currency
A currency is a standardization of money in any form, in use or circulation as a medium of exchange, for example banknotes and coins. A more general definition is that a currency is a ''system of money'' in common use within a specific envi ...
that could be considered a precursor to
gold coins.
They were issued by the ancient Chinese
state of Chu
Chu (, Old Chinese: ''*s-r̥aʔ'') was an Ancient Chinese states, ancient Chinese state during the Zhou dynasty. Their first ruler was King Wu of Chu in the early 8th century BC. Chu was located in the south of the Zhou heartland and lasted ...
during the
Warring States period
The Warring States period in history of China, Chinese history (221 BC) comprises the final two and a half centuries of the Zhou dynasty (256 BC), which were characterized by frequent warfare, bureaucratic and military reforms, and ...
between the 400s and late 200s BCE.
[
]
Names
Because these gold blocks are inscribed with Chinese characters
Chinese characters are logographs used Written Chinese, to write the Chinese languages and others from regions historically influenced by Chinese culture. Of the four independently invented writing systems accepted by scholars, they represe ...
they are variously known as ''yin zi jin'' (), ''jin ban'' (), or ''gui bi'' ().
History and overview
The oldest ones known are from about the 5th or 6th century BCE.[ They consist of sheets of gold 3-5mm thick, of various sizes, with inscriptions consisting of square or round stamps in which there are one or two characters.][ They have been unearthed in various locations south of the Yellow River indicating that they were products of the State of Chu.][ One of the characters in their inscription is often a monetary unit or weight which is normally read as ''yuan'' ().][ Pieces are of a very variable size and thickness, and the stamps appear to be a device to validate the whole block, rather than a guide to enable it to be broken up into unit pieces.][
Some ''ying yuan'' contain the ]Chinese characters
Chinese characters are logographs used Written Chinese, to write the Chinese languages and others from regions historically influenced by Chinese culture. Of the four independently invented writing systems accepted by scholars, they represe ...
ying yuan (郢爰).[ It is probable that these were funeral money, not circulating currency, as they are found in tombs, but the gold ones are not.][
]
See also
* Economic history of China
* Ancient Chinese coinage
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 s ...
References
External links
What is the Earliest Gold Coin in China ?
Chu (state)
Coins of ancient China
Gold coins
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