Catalog
See full images - free registration
Continue with Google - no registration!
or register with email
Why register? Just to keep bots out of our catalog. Your email stays private - we will never share it or send you anything uninvited. We guarantee you that!
5 Zhu - Dong Zhuo Anepigraphic
| Issuer | China (ancient) |
|---|---|
| Year | 190-192 |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | Log in to see details |
| Currency | Log in to see details |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | Log in to see details |
| Diameter | Log in to see details |
| Thickness | Log in to see details |
| Shape | Log in to see details |
| Technique | Log in to see details |
| Orientation | Log in to see details |
| Engraver(s) | Log in to see details |
| In circulation to | Log in to see details |
| Reference(s) | Log in to see details |
| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Log in to see details |
| Obverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Reverse description | Anepigraphic field, entirely plain and devoid of inscription, device, or rim decoration. The reverse presents the same irregular, roughly cast bronze rim encircling the large square central hole, with no characters or symbols struck or cast into the field. The flan surface is rough and uneven, reflecting the extremely debased production standards of this issue. Patination is consistent with the obverse, showing blue-green encrustation across the surface. This absence of legend on both sides is the defining characteristic of this type, distinguishing it from standard Wu Zhu coinage of the period. |
| Reverse script | Log in to see details |
| Reverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Edge | Plain |
| Mint | Log in to see details |
| Mintage | Log in to see details |
| Additional information |
Dong Zhuo ordered the melting of the great bronze statues and coinage of the Han capital after seizing power in 190 AD, using the metal to flood the market with these deliberately lightweight, unmarked pieces. The destruction of the 12 colossal bronze figures at Luoyang — some reportedly cast by Qin Shi Huang — was considered an act of profound desecration. The resulting currency collapse contributed directly to the economic fragmentation that accelerated the end of Han dynastic authority.