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5 Zhu - Wen Light type
| Issuer | Northern dynasties |
|---|---|
| Year | 540-556 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
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| Obverse lettering | 銖五 (Translation: Wu Zhu 5 Zhu) |
| Reverse description | Uniface reverse bearing no inscription or decorative device. The surface is plain save for the raised square rim surrounding the central square perforation and the outer raised circular rim, both clearly defined in cast relief. The field displays a mottled green and brown patina with minor surface porosity typical of cast bronze coinage of the Northern Dynasties period. |
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| Additional information |
The "Wen Light" (文輕) designation refers to coins struck under the Eastern Wei and early Northern Qi with deliberately reduced copper content and thinner flans — a cost-cutting measure adopted as those regimes struggled to finance military campaigns against the Western Wei across the divided north. The type sits in a narrow window between 540 and 556, bracketing the Eastern Wei's collapse and the Northern Qi's foundation in 550.
Hartill's 10.25 classification distinguishes this from heavier contemporary 5 Zhu issues by flan characteristics rather than die type alone.