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1/2 Jin
| Issuer | Zhao, State of |
|---|---|
| Year | 350 BC - 250 BC |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | 1/2 Jin |
| Currency | Log in to see details |
| Composition | Log in to see details |
| Weight | Log in to see details |
| Diameter | Log in to see details |
| Thickness | Log in to see details |
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| Obverse description | Typical square-shouldered spade money (bu) of the Warring States period, cast in bronze with a characteristic bifurcated foot terminating in two rounded toes. The upper body bears a central raised rib descending from the hollow socket, flanked on each shoulder by raised rectangular panels containing incuse Chinese characters denoting the denomination or place of issue. A small oval perforation pierces the central field just below the shoulder junction. The overall surface displays an even olive-brown patina consistent with ancient burial, with the raised design elements remaining well-defined. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Log in to see details |
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| Reverse description | Plain, essentially uninscribed reverse presenting the characteristic flat, slightly concave surface typical of cast Warring States spade coinage. The bifurcated foot with two rounded toes is clearly visible, mirroring the obverse profile. The surface shows a uniform dark brown and olive patina with scattered areas of cuprite and minor casting pits, consistent with ancient bronze of this period. No inscriptions or decorative elements are present on this face. |
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| Additional information |
The spade coinages of Zhao circulated during a century of near-constant warfare among the Warring States, when bronze was as likely to be cast into weapons as into currency. Zhao's square-footed spades are distinguishable from those of neighboring Wei and Han by their foot morphology — a distinction that mattered practically, since coins of rival states circulated alongside each other and merchants needed to differentiate them by touch as much as by sight.
Hartill 3.483 places this half-jin piece within the later issues of the type, when Zhao's mints were under pressure from Qin's westward expansion and eventual annexation of the state in 228 BC.