NORTHERN CHAO: Anonymous, 557-581, AE cash (2.36g), H-11.30, wu xing da bu in archaic script, small size, Fine, ex Nicholas Rhodes Collection. The legend translates as "The Large Coin of the Five Elements [metal, wood, water, fire, and earth] " and these were issued in 574 by Emperor Wu. They were intended to be worth ten Bu Quans. Illegal coining soon produced specimens of a reduced weight and the authorities banned the use of this coin in 576. This inscription is frequently found on amulets.
Estimate: 120- 150 USD