Watch List notes:

China, Warring States, Circa 400-220 B.C., Yuan Jin Gold Cube Money, EF; China, Circa 400-220 B.C. Yuan Jin Gold Cube Money, EF, State of Chu. "Yuan Jin" Gold Cube Money, Warring States Period. 7.03grams. History of Chinese Currency-pg. 7, #1; H-5.5. Inscribed "Chen Yuan". Made in what is now Hubei province, it was cut from larger bars which allowed for the making of small denominations. Historically this is China's first gold currency with a fixed shape and size. China had very little gold, and they kept minimal stockpiles of precious metals as rulers didn't want to expose themselves to the possibility of a warrior/warlord being able to carry a great amount of wealth. Doing so would allow someone from outside the area to raise an army easily, as mercenaries easily identify gold and silver as a universal currency. This lack of precious metal significantly shaped society. They had substantial reserves of copper which was turned into cash coinage, but very rarely ever used gold and only in small quantities, making these pieces particularly rare. Ex Stacks 2015 HongKong lot 10145.
($6250)