The Wu Zhu series had already been circulating for over a century by the time the Eastern Han consolidated power under Guangwu Di in 25 AD, and the dynasty largely inherited rather than reformed the coinage. What distinguishes Eastern Han pieces from their Western Han predecessors is a gradual degradation in metal quality and flan preparation — a reflection of repeated fiscal strain rather than any single monetary reform. The Later Han shu records chronic shortages of copper cash during the 2nd century, with private casting becoming widespread despite repeated imperial prohibitions.
The Wu Zhu series had already been circulating for over a century by the time the Eastern Han consolidated power under Guangwu Di in 25 AD, and the dynasty largely inherited rather than reformed the coinage. What distinguishes Eastern Han pieces from their Western Han predecessors is a gradual degradation in metal quality and flan preparation — a reflection of repeated fiscal strain rather than any single monetary reform. The Later Han shu records chronic shortages of copper cash during the 2nd century, with private casting becoming widespread despite repeated imperial prohibitions.