500 Wu Zhou Wu

Đơn vị phát hành Wu, State of
Năm 222-280
Loại Standard circulation coin
Mệnh giá 500 Wu Zhou
Tiền tệ
Chất liệu Bronze
Trọng lượng 7.51 g
Đường kính
Độ dày
Hình dạng Round with a square hole
Kỹ thuật
Hướng
Nghệ nhân khắc
Lưu hành đến
Tài liệu tham khảo Hartill#11.30, FD#531, Schjoth#193
Mô tả mặt trước Four Chinese ideograms read clockwise.
Chữ viết mặt trước
Chữ khắc mặt trước
(Translation: Da Quan Wu Bai Large coin [worth] five hundred)
Mô tả mặt sau Blank (uniface).
Chữ viết mặt sau
Chữ khắc mặt sau
Cạnh Smooth.
Xưởng đúc
Số lượng đúc ND (222-280) - Hartill#11.30: Regular type -
ND (222-280) - Hartill#11.31: Longer characters -
ID Numisquare 3662167360
Thông tin bổ sung

Historical Context: This '500 Wu Zhou Wu' coin originates from the State of Wu (Eastern Wu), one of three major powers during China's tumultuous Three Kingdoms period (222-280 AD). Founded by Sun Quan, Wu controlled southeastern regions. The issuance of such a high-denomination coin, bearing the traditional 'Wu Zhou' (five zhu) inscription but valued at 500, indicates severe economic pressures and inflation. These were common during prolonged warfare, often desperate measures to finance military campaigns.

Artistry: The engraver for this coin remains anonymous, typical for the period. Stylistically, the '500 Wu Zhou Wu' adheres to established Han Dynasty tradition, featuring the characters '五銖' (five zhu) prominently on the obverse. While the design is conservative, its implied revaluation to 500 cash signifies a major departure from the original 'Wu Zhou' system. The reverse is typically plain, reflecting utilitarian focus of wartime currency production over elaborate artistic expression.

Technical/Grading: Cast in bronze, this coin weighs 7.51 grams. Key technical aspects for evaluation include the clarity of the '五銖' characters, rim definition, and field smoothness. Due to casting and hurried wartime production, these coins frequently exhibit flaws like rough surfaces, uneven thickness, or incomplete character definition. The 7.51-gram weight for a 500-cash denomination underscores significant debasement and inflation compared to earlier, heavier 'Wu Zhou' issues.

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