The New York Sale
Auction 35 7 January 2015
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WORLD COINS, CHINA Empire. Spring and Autumn (Eastern Zhou Dynasty). "Flat Shoulder Curved Feet Empty Hilt Spade Money", 8th to 5th Century BC. Straight line large format type. Inscription is probably Chinese character "Wu" (the fifth Tian-Gan) (Hartill 2.130 type; Fisher's Ding 49 type). Small hole on the obverse side of the hollow hilt which does not go through to the other side, good very fine. A very rare and popular early type of Chinese spade money.
During the Eastern Zhou Dynasty, the central government lost power and authority, and controlled only a small area around the capital. This coin was issued during the later Spring and Autumn period by the Zhou government for circulation in the suburbs of the capital and adjoining kingdoms. Usually bearing one or two characters, these early spade coins are collected by types and highly sought after.
Estimate: $ 1,850
During the Eastern Zhou Dynasty, the central government lost power and authority, and controlled only a small area around the capital. This coin was issued during the later Spring and Autumn period by the Zhou government for circulation in the suburbs of the capital and adjoining kingdoms. Usually bearing one or two characters, these early spade coins are collected by types and highly sought after.
Estimate: $ 1,850