Ying Yuan (Chinese: 郢爰; pinyin: yǐng yuán) were stamped blocks of gold bullion. This was an early form of currency that could be considered a precursor to gold coins.[1][self-published source] They were issued by the ancient Chinese state of Chu during the Warring States period between the 400s and late 200s BCE.[1]
Names
editBecause these gold blocks are inscribed with Chinese characters they are variously known as yin zi jin (Chinese: 印子金; pinyin: yìn zǐ jīn), jin ban (Chinese: 金版; pinyin: jīn bǎn), or gui bi (traditional Chinese: 龜幣; simplified Chinese: 龟币; pinyin: guī bì).[2]
History and overview
editThe oldest ones known are from about the 5th or 6th century BCE.[1] They consist of sheets of gold 3-5mm thick, of various sizes, with inscriptions consisting of square or round stamps in which there are one or two characters.[1] They have been unearthed in various locations south of the Yellow River indicating that they were products of the State of Chu.[1] One of the characters in their inscription is often a monetary unit or weight which is normally read as yuan (Chinese: 爰; pinyin: yuán).[1] Pieces are of a very variable size and thickness, and the stamps appear to be a device to validate the whole block, rather than a guide to enable it to be broken up into unit pieces.[1]
Some ying yuan contain the Chinese characters ying yuan (郢爰).[2]
Another inscription that is sometimes found on these ancient gold blocks is chen yuan (陳爰).[2]
Some specimens have been reported in copper, lead, or clay.[1] It is probable that these were funeral money, not circulating currency, as they are found in tombs, but the gold ones are not.[1]
See also
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