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Cowrie Shell imitation
| Issuer | Ancient China |
|---|---|
| Year | 1046 BC - 221 BC |
| Type | Proto coin |
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| Currency | Log in to see details |
| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Diameter | Log in to see details |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
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| Reverse description | Log in to see details |
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| Edge | Plain |
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| Mintage | ND (1046 BC - 221 BC) - One hole ND (1046 BC - 221 BC) - Two holes |
| Additional information |
Bone and bronze imitations of cowrie shells circulated alongside actual shells throughout the Zhou dynasty, a direct response to the chronic shortage of genuine Cypraea moneta imported from coastal and southern regions. The real shells had functioned as currency for centuries before the Zhou even consolidated power, making these imitations less a reform than an admission that demand had outpaced natural supply.
Mother-of-pearl examples occupy an unusual position — neither the prestige of genuine shell nor the scalability of cast bronze, suggesting ceremonial or mortuary use rather than everyday exchange.