1/2 Liang Type 2, regular Ban

The Ban Liang ("half liang") became the first standardized currency of a unified Chinese empire after Qin Shi Huangdi's consolidation of the warring states in 221 BC, replacing a chaotic patchwork of knife monies, spade coins, and regional bronzes. The "Type 2" designation reflects the lighter-weight issues produced during the Western Han transition period — by the time of Empress Lü's regency in the 180s BC, the sanctioned weight had drifted so far below the nominal half-liang standard that privately cast imitations became rampant, ultimately forcing monetary reforms under Emperor Wen.