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 With right rim, 'White coin' type
| Issuer | China (ancient) |
|---|---|
| Year | 585-604 |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | 5 Zhu |
| Currency | Log in to see details |
| 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 |
| 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 | Plain, uninscribed reverse featuring a central square perforation framed by a raised square inner rim. The flat field is entirely blank, with no legend, decoration, or mint mark. A raised outer rim borders the coin's circumference. The surface shows a rough cast texture with areas of green and brown patination consistent with ancient bronze coinage of the period. |
| Reverse script | Log in to see details |
| Reverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Edge | Log in to see details |
| Mint | Log in to see details |
| Mintage | ND (585-604) |
| Additional information |
The "white coin" designation refers to the lead-tin enrichment of the alloy, which gives the surface a noticeably paler cast compared to standard bronze issues. This type was produced during the Sui dynasty under Emperor Wen, who in 581 unified China after nearly four centuries of fragmentation following the collapse of the Western Jin. His monetary reforms attempted to standardize coinage across a reunified empire, but the presence of high-lead compositions throughout this period reflects ongoing difficulties sourcing consistent metal — and the persistent reality of private casting that authorities never fully suppressed.