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Stack's Bowers & Ponterio
April 2018 Hong Kong Auction - Sess. A-E  2-4 Apr 2018
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Lot 40022

Starting price: 12 000 USD
Price realized: 12 000 USD
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CHINA. Zhou Dynasty, ca. 1046-256 B.C. Warring States Period, ca. 475-221 B.C. State of Qi. Six Character Knife Money, ND (ca. 400-220 B.C.).
44.68 gms. H-4.4e; Jen-unlisted; FD-350; Shanghai Museum-962/965; cf.China Numismatic Museum-62; cf.Liu Feiyan/Liu Wei-I-180; History of Chinese Currency-pg.4 #1. "Qi Jian Zao Bang Chang Fa Hua" (Qi establish make state long legal money); Reverse: "Qi" or "Bi". The translation here is a more literal translation. Founded in the 11th century B.C. Qi was the last major state to be annexed during the unification of China by Qin. When King Min, Tian Fazhang's father, ascended the throne in 300 B.C. Qi was considered one of the most powerful countries in China if not the most powerful, but his incompetence angered his most trusted Generals. The capital city of Linzi was sacked in 284 B.C. by the Yan General Yue Yi and King Min was captured and executed. For fear of his life Tian Fazhang went into hiding and became a servant in the home of the Grand Astrologer Ji where he met and fell in love with his daughter who would later become Queen Junwang and mother of his heir. Loyal officers of Qi eventually found Fazhang and helped him to reclaim the throne. He died in 265 B.C. after a nineteen year reign. His son Tian Jian, King Jian, reigned for 44 years and was the last ruler of Qi before the Qin conquered and unified all of China. EXTREMELY RARE, interesting and historically significant. Attractive brown patina with small areas of lovely green patina. EXTREMELY FINE.

From the Q. David Bowers Collection.

Estimate: $20000.00- $30000.00
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