Catalog
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| Issuer | Western Han Dynasty |
|---|---|
| Year | 74 BC - 49 BC |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | Log in to see details |
| Currency | Zhu (119 BC to 9 AD) |
| Composition | Log in to see details |
| 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 |
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| Engraver(s) | 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 | Log in to see details |
| Reverse description | Log in to see details |
| Reverse script | Log in to see details |
| Reverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Edge | Plain |
| Mint | Log in to see details |
| Mintage | ND (74 BC - 49 BC) |
| 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.