1 Jin Yuan, City in the State of Wei

Historical Context: This 1 Jin Yuan spade coin hails from the State of Wei during China's Warring States period (350-220 BC). It signifies a pivotal transition from barter to standardized metallic currency. "Jin Yuan" likely denotes a specific minting city within Wei, a powerful state that deployed these bronze coins to facilitate commerce and project economic stability amidst regional conflicts, reflecting an evolving, yet decentralized, monetary system.

Artistry: The "artistry" of this period's coinage is primarily functional. Individual engravers are unknown; master casters created the molds. The stylistic school emphasizes a practical, tool-inspired form. The design features a flat, spade-shaped blade with a hollow handle, bearing cast inscriptions. These characters identify its denomination ("1 Jin") and origin ("Yuan") in an early Chinese script, prioritizing legibility and standardization over aesthetic embellishment.

Technical/Grading: Crafted from bronze, this coin measures 41.4 mm and weighs 8.5 grams. Key grading points include the crispness of the cast characters, the definition of the spade's edges, and the integrity of the hollow handle. Technical casting qualities are assessed by metal flow uniformity, absence of significant flaws like pitting or excessive flash, and adherence to the era's weight and dimension standards, which, while variable, established a baseline for its intended economic function.