Ying Yuan
Ying Yuan (Template:Zh) were stamped blocks of gold bullion. This was an early form of currency that could be considered a precursor to gold coins.[1]Template:Self-published inline They were issued by the ancient Chinese state of Chu during the Warring States period between the 400s and late 200s BCE.[1]
Names
Because these gold blocks are inscribed with Chinese characters they are variously known as yin zi jin (Template:Zh), jin ban (Template:Zh), or gui bi (Template:Zh).[2]
History and overview
The oldest ones known are from about the 5th or 6th century BCE.[1] 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.[1] They have been unearthed in various locations south of the Yellow River indicating that they were products of the State of Chu.[1] One of the characters in their inscription is often a monetary unit or weight which is normally read as yuan (Template:Zh).[1] 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.[1]
Some ying yuan contain the Chinese characters ying yuan (郢爰).[2]
Another inscription that is sometimes found on these ancient gold blocks is chen yuan (陳爰).[2]
Some specimens have been reported in copper, lead, or clay.[1] It is probable that these were funeral money, not circulating currency, as they are found in tombs, but the gold ones are not.[1]
See also
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References
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External links
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