Buy Ancient Chinese Ant-Nose Bronze Coins from the State of Chu, Zhou Dynasty (c. 400-220 BC) Online
Authenticity and Provenance:
This captivating lot comprises 25 genuine Ant-Nose bronze coins (known as yi bi qian or 蚁鼻钱 in Chinese), originating from the Warring States period of the Zhou Dynasty. Sourced from archaeological contexts in the ancient State of Chu (modern-day Hunan, Hubei, and surrounding regions), these pieces represent one of the earliest forms of cast metal currency in human history. Each coin bears the telltale patina of millennia—verdigris green and earthy brown encrustations that speak to their burial in ancient soils—ensuring their authenticity as artifacts from over 2,300 years ago. No modern grading or encapsulation is present, allowing collectors to appreciate their raw, untouched state straight from the earth.
This captivating lot comprises 25 genuine Ant-Nose bronze coins (known as yi bi qian or 蚁鼻钱 in Chinese), originating from the Warring States period of the Zhou Dynasty. Sourced from archaeological contexts in the ancient State of Chu (modern-day Hunan, Hubei, and surrounding regions), these pieces represent one of the earliest forms of cast metal currency in human history. Each coin bears the telltale patina of millennia—verdigris green and earthy brown encrustations that speak to their burial in ancient soils—ensuring their authenticity as artifacts from over 2,300 years ago. No modern grading or encapsulation is present, allowing collectors to appreciate their raw, untouched state straight from the earth.
Historical Significance:
Dating to the turbulent Warring States era (475-221 BC), when China's feudal kingdoms vied for dominance, these Ant-Nose coins were the signature currency of the powerful State of Chu, a cultural powerhouse in the Yangtze River valley known for its shamanistic rituals, lacquerware artistry, and resistance against northern rivals like Qin. Evolving from cowrie shells imported as exotic trade goods during the Shang and early Zhou periods, these bronze imitations marked a revolutionary shift to standardized metal money, facilitating commerce, taxation, and military logistics amid the era's endless warfare. The name "Ant-Nose" derives from the shape of the inscribed character yi (蚁), which resembles an ant's head or a curved snout, while the "Ghost Face" moniker (gui lian qian) evokes the eerie, demonic visage formed by the markings—symbols of Chu's mystical worldview. By the time Qin Shi Huang unified China in 221 BC, these coins were abolished in favor of round "ban liang" types, making survivors like these exceedingly rare windows into pre-imperial China's economic dawn.
Dating to the turbulent Warring States era (475-221 BC), when China's feudal kingdoms vied for dominance, these Ant-Nose coins were the signature currency of the powerful State of Chu, a cultural powerhouse in the Yangtze River valley known for its shamanistic rituals, lacquerware artistry, and resistance against northern rivals like Qin. Evolving from cowrie shells imported as exotic trade goods during the Shang and early Zhou periods, these bronze imitations marked a revolutionary shift to standardized metal money, facilitating commerce, taxation, and military logistics amid the era's endless warfare. The name "Ant-Nose" derives from the shape of the inscribed character yi (蚁), which resembles an ant's head or a curved snout, while the "Ghost Face" moniker (gui lian qian) evokes the eerie, demonic visage formed by the markings—symbols of Chu's mystical worldview. By the time Qin Shi Huang unified China in 221 BC, these coins were abolished in favor of round "ban liang" types, making survivors like these exceedingly rare windows into pre-imperial China's economic dawn.
Design and Specifications:
- Denomination: Ant-Nose (yi bi)—a low-value fractional unit, often equivalent to a fraction of a larger spade or knife coin.
- Composition: Cast bronze alloy, with natural corrosion yielding the iconic green patina.
- Dimensions: Each approximately 15-20 mm in length, 10-14 mm wide, and 1-3 grams in weight (typical for the type, with lighter examples as low as 0.1g).
- Obverse: Features the character yi (蚁, meaning "ant"), cast in a distinctive "ghost face" or "nose" style—curved lines forming a stylized profile that mimics a snarling spirit or elongated snout, sometimes with additional pellets or lines for variety.
- Reverse: Plain or faintly marked, emphasizing the coin's primitive, one-sided design born from shell imitation.
Condition and Collectibility:
These coins exhibit honest archaeological wear, with attractive encrustations and toning that highlight their journey through time—perfect for display in a custom case or alongside other Warring States rarities like spade or knife money. While individual pieces range from Good (G) to Fine (F) by modern standards, their collective appeal lies in the lot's diversity and quantity, offering a snapshot of Chu minting practices. Ant-Nose coins are among the scarcest Zhou types, with excavated hoards rarely exceeding a few dozen; similar specimens command $20-100 each at auction, depending on inscription clarity and patina appeal. Ideal for numismatists, historians, or enthusiasts of ancient East Asian artifacts, this set bridges the gap between primitive barter and sophisticated empires— a tangible echo of China's Bronze Age ingenuity.Unearth the ghosts of ancient Chu with this extraordinary hoard—history strung together, one enigmatic face at a time!
These coins exhibit honest archaeological wear, with attractive encrustations and toning that highlight their journey through time—perfect for display in a custom case or alongside other Warring States rarities like spade or knife money. While individual pieces range from Good (G) to Fine (F) by modern standards, their collective appeal lies in the lot's diversity and quantity, offering a snapshot of Chu minting practices. Ant-Nose coins are among the scarcest Zhou types, with excavated hoards rarely exceeding a few dozen; similar specimens command $20-100 each at auction, depending on inscription clarity and patina appeal. Ideal for numismatists, historians, or enthusiasts of ancient East Asian artifacts, this set bridges the gap between primitive barter and sophisticated empires— a tangible echo of China's Bronze Age ingenuity.Unearth the ghosts of ancient Chu with this extraordinary hoard—history strung together, one enigmatic face at a time!
