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5 Zhu 'Western Han' type, with small Wu
| Issuer | Western Han Dynasty |
|---|---|
| Year | 74 BC - 49 BC |
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| Value | Log in to see details |
| Currency | Log in to see details |
| Composition | Log in to see details |
| Weight | 3.20 g |
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| Thickness | Log in to see details |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Log in to see details |
| Obverse lettering | 五銖 (Translation: Wu Zhu, 5 Zhu) |
| Reverse description | Plain reverse with a central square perforation enclosed by a raised inner square rim and an outer raised rim. The field is entirely blank and unadorned, without any legend, symbol, or decorative element, as is typical of Western Han Wu Zhu cash coinage of this period. Heavy earthen encrustation and patination obscure much of the surface, revealing an aged bronze ground beneath. |
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| Additional information |
The "small Wu" variety emerged during the reign of Emperor Xuan, who came to the throne in 74 BC after the abrupt deposition of the mentally unstable Liu He — emperor for only 27 days. Xuan's administration undertook careful monetary reforms, and subtle die variations like the reduced first character of the denomination inscription served as practical controls on output across multiple provincial mints operating simultaneously.
Hartill distinguishes this variety by the compressed upper stroke of the Wu character, a feature consistent enough across surviving examples to suggest deliberate instruction rather than engraver drift.