Chinese Coins Found in Sri Lanka

Dr.Chandima Bogahawatta(PhD)

Senior Lecturer In Archaeology

University of Kelaniya

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Chinese Coins Found In Sri Lanka

1. A brief introduction

Ancient Sri Lankan specially liked Chinese coins. Gong Zhen, who followed

Xi Yang Fan Guo Zhi

Chinese musk, silk, porcelain and coins a lot, they traded with gems and pea

Xing Cha Sheng Lan and Ma

Ying Ya Sheng Lan. Furthermore, a great number of Chinese ancient coins

found in Sri Lanka also prove this.The following is a brief introduction of Chinese

ancient coins found in Sri Lanka.

Chinese ancient coins found through excavation in Sri Lanka begins from the

early time of 20th

century. In the year of 1906, a Chinese coin was found in

Kurunegala. Before 1911, another 6 were found in Anuradhapura, and 6 in

Polonnaruwa, 10 in Yapahuwa. Besides, some Chinese ancient coins were found in

excavation in Alutvewa, Matale, Nindavur, Kurukkalmadam, Kalmunai before 1924.

18 were found during they repaired the railway in Talaimannar. At that time, Sri

Lankan archeologists knew nothing about Chinese Coins, hence they send those coins

to the museum of great Britain. The British archeologists claimed that those coins

belonged to Northern and Southern Song Dynasty, the earliest was Zhi Dao Yuan Bao

made during 995-998 and the latest was Jia Tai Tong Bao made during 1201-1205.

There is no record that Britain had returned those coins.

There are two big excavations of Chinese ancient coins in Sri Lanka. The first

time was in 1911, archeologists found 1452 Chinese coins in Yapahuwa which are

now collected in Anuradhapura Archeological Museum. Unfortunately, 20 coins were

stolen in a exhibition and then an unknown archeologist took at least 10. Sri Lankan




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archeologists only know these lost coins were made in Song Dynasty. French

archeologist Francois Thierry researched 381 of these coins and claimed that 266

coins were from Northern Song Dynasty, 114 coins were from Sorthern Song Dynasty

and one was a copy made by Vietnam.

The second time was in 2009, a farmer of Kurunegala found more than 4000

Chinese coins when he was farming. He thought these coins were ancient washers and

sold them to a local hardware store. After then some people realized that these stuff

were antiques and bought some of the coins. In November of this year, the National

Museum got the news and bought the rest 2000 coin . No research was carried on

after these coins came to the museum because of no Sri Lankan Expert of Chinese

ancient coins. I saw these coins in Dec. 2009 while they were in a bad condition

without any clear. I found a Wu Zhu Qian, different versions of Kai Yuan Tong Bao

and various coins of Song Dynasty in a random check.

2. A research of Chinese ancient coins found in Sri Lanka

From January to March, 2010, I did a research of the Chinese coins found in

Yapahuwa. While these coins had been excavated more than a century and there was

no excavation report, the detailed situation back that time cannot been known. We

only know that they were stored in jar and came out with it, which now cannot been

traced. The coins are all made of bronze, from Qin dynasty to Southern Song dynasty.

According to my statistics, these coins includes :

Qin Dynasty 1 kind;

Han Dynasty 1 kind

Tang Dynasty 2 kind;

Wu dai shi guo(five dynasties ten kingdoms period) 1 kind;

Northern Song Dynasty 30 kind;

Southern Song Dynasty 18 kind

Ji Zhong Qian(Characters are the weight) 1 kind;




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Ji Nian Qian(characters are the time) 51 kind

Guo Hao Qian(name of the dynasty ) 6 kinds

Yuan Bao Qian 3 kind

Tong Bao Qian 3 kind

Nian Hao Qian 45 kind

Yuan Bao Qian 20 kind

Tong Bao Qian 22kind

Zhong Bao Qian 3kind

Before Song Dynasty

1. Ban Liang

Ban Liang is a kind of coin which was popular during Zhan Guo period,Qin

dynasty and Han dynasty. It was first made by Qin kingdom during Zhan Guo period,

approximately in the year of 336BC. Some scholars believe that in 348BC, Qin

kingdom had started to make Ban Liang while some other think it is 378BC. But these

two opinions are lack of archeological supports. The weights and sizes of Ban Liang

are not the same, especially because of the long period of usage and the complicated

versions. Generally, Ban Liang made in Qin dynasty are thicker and heavier than that

of Han dynasty, the characters of Qin Ban Liang are Xiao Zhuan, higher and a litter

rounder.

11/YA/001(A) 11/YA/001(B)




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Sample 11/YA/001 weight 2.31g thickness 0.9mm diameter 23mm hole 8mm

No edge. The two in the character is short, back plain.

recognize the characters which came out after being cleared. The coin itself is thin and

the characters are shallow. The British Museum had do a research of Chinese ancient

coins and made a list of the time, weight, technology, material, size, etc. of various

kinds. According to this research and the size and technology of this Bang Liang, I

think it should be made in Qin dynasty.

2. Wu Zhu

In the year of 11

was over. Wu Zhu Qian has a moderate weight and good design, hence it became the

model of coins after. Wu Zhu had been still used until Sui dynasty and was used in a

739 years. It is the coin which was made and used in the longest time in Chinese

history, so the versions are quite complicated.

11/KU/01(A) 11/KU/01(B)

Sample 09/KU/01 weight 2.66g thickness 1mm diameter 23mm hole 8mm.

Out edge both, no inner edge front. out edge1.5mm inner edge 1mm back plain

Technology is good, stroke is clear. The two crossed strokes of are a little round,

the top of the left part of is a triangle and the top of the right part is quite straight.

dynasties , started from the year of 562AD( ).

3. Kai Yuan Tong Bao

In the year of 621( wu de Tang dynasty disused Wu Zhu and made




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new coins. The emperor ordered a famous calligrapher and minister named Ou Yang

xun to name the coin and write it. The new coin was named Kai Yuan Tong Bao, also

read as Kai Tong Yuan Bao. It is a big change to the meanings of coin characters and

it influenced a lot to the coins after and the foreign coins. Kai Yuan Tong Bao had

been used until the late time of Tang dynasty. In 922, Hou Liang kingdom of

Wu Dai Shi Guo also made Kai Yuan Tong Bao big iron coins. Southern Tang

kingdom of had also made Kai Yuan Tong Bao. The amount of early Kai

Yuan Tong Bao is comparatively small, so the versions are not that much. The size is

standard, the technology is good. The first stroke of is short, the left shoulder of

the second stroke is up. The three dots of the left part of are not connected, the

front opening of the right part is big the middle two strokes of the down part

of are not connected to other strokes.

The middle Kai Yuan Tong Bao: great amount, complicated versions, size and

weight basically the same. The first stroke of is long, the second stroke is left up

or right up, or two sides up; e connected, the

front opening of the right part is smaller; the middle two strokes of the down part

The late Kai Yuan Tong Bao: small amount but quite complicated , bad

technology, small size. Th

right up, or no side up.

11/YA/002(A) 11/YA/003(A) 11/YA/004(A)




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11/YA/002(B) 11/YA/003(B) 11/YA/004(B)

Sample 11/YA/002 weight 3.75g thickness 1mm diameter 23mm hole 7mm

out edge 2mm inner edge 0.5mm The character is Li Shu back plain It is

an early Kai Yuan Tong Bao made during 621( ) to middle time of Kai Yuan

period(713-741)


out edge 2.5mm inner edge 0.5mm The character is Li Shu there is a

new-moon-formed mark up the hole on the back. It is a middle Kai Yuan Tong Bao

made during late time of Kai Yuan period(713-741) to Kai Cheng period(836-840).

Sample 11/YA/004 weight 3.7g thickness 1mm diameter 25mm,hole 7mm

out edge 2mm inner edge 0.5mm The character is Li Shu there is a

new-moon-formed mark up the hole on the back. It is a middle Kai Yuan Tong Bao

made during late time of Kai Yuan period(713-741) to Kai Cheng period(836-840).

4. Qian Yuan Zhong Bao

Qian Yuan Zhong Bao was first made in 758( .The structure of the

characters is nian hao + bao wen .It is the first Zhong Bao coin. The

Qian Yuan Zhong Bao made in 758 pitted one against ten, weighted approximately 7 g.

After then the weight was cut down and the versions became complicated. There was

a kind of Chong Lun(double outer edges) Qian Yuan coin made in 759

which pitted one against fifty, weighted approximately 20g and then was cut

down ,hence the sizes are quite different. In the year of 762, emperor Tang Dai Zong

also made Qian Yuan Zhong Bao. Most Qian Yuan Zhong Bao are back plain, a small

number of them have dot, new moon, cloud or bird formed marks.




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11/YA/005(A) 11/YA/006(A)

11/YA/005(B) 11/YA/006(B)


out edge 2mm inner edge front 0.4mm inner edge back 1mm The character is Li

Shu Dui Du (read across) a new moon formed mark down the hole

backside.

Sample 11/YA/006 weight 2.70g thickness 1mm diameter 22.5mm hole 8mm

out edge front 1mm inner edge front 0.4mm out edge back 2mm inner edge back

1mm The character is Li Shu Dui Du (read across) a new moon formed

mark down the hole backside.

These two coins are Jian Zhong(the weight was cut down) Qian Yuan

Zhong Bao should be made during 758-762( - bao ying )

5. Tang Guo Tong Bao

Tang Guo Tong Bao was made during Jiao Tai period(958-960) of Southern Tang

kingdom. It is a Guo Hao Qian(named from the title of the dynasty or

kingdom) The amount is big, versions are complicated. The characters were written

in three types including zhuan shu li shu , kai shu, hence we got

Dui Qian( two coins which are the same unless the type of characters are called

Dui Qian). There are also iron Tang Guo Tong Bao.




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11/YA/007(A) 11/YA/007(B)


out edge front 2mm inner edge front 0.8mm out edge back 3mm inner edge back

2mm The character is Zhuan Shu Dui Du (read across) back plain.

Northern Song Dynasty coins

1. Song Tong Yuan Bao

Song Tong Yuan Bao was first made in the year of 960( jian long . It is

the first coin of Song dynasty, also read as Song Yuan Tong Bao. The amount is great,

all are Xiao Ping Qian(the smallest valued coin). Most are plain on the back

while a small number have dot or new moon formed marks. Many versions. The

character is Li Shu the left of the second stroke of is up which is a result

of imitation to Kai Yuan Tong Bao. Song Tong Yuan Bao were used during Qian

De(963-968) and Kai Bao(968-976) periods.

11/YA/008(A) 11/YA/008(B)


out edge 3mm inner edge front 0.8mm inner edge back 1mm The character is Li

Shu Xuan Du (read clockwise) back plain. The left of the second stroke

so it is called

Liang Yan Qian or Shuang Yan Qian rare




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2. Tai Ping Tong Bao

Tai Ping Tong Bao was made during Tai Ping Xing Guo period 976-984 .It is a

Nian Hao Qian(named from the title of a period) but only use the first two

words The style is a imitation to Song Tong Yuan Bao. The technology is as

good as Kai Yuan Tong Bao. There are big Tai Ping Tong Bao that pit one against

ten, with a dot up the hole on the back, which is only a commemorative coin and a

small number survived.

11/YA/009(A) 11/YA/009(B)


out edge 3mm inner edge 0.8mm The character is Li Shu Dui Du (read

across) back plain.

3. Chun Hua Yuan Bao

Chun Hua Yuan Bao was made during Chun Hua period 990-994 which was

written in three type of characters( kai shu xing shu cao shu) by the

emperor Song Tai Zong himself and it is the first coin written by emperor Gold

Chun Hua Yuan Bao had been found in Wu Tai Shan , with each Buddha

statue on the left and right side of the hole backside. It is thought to be

Gong Yang Qian(a kind of coin offered to Buddha.)

11/YA/010(A) 11/YA/011(A) 11/YA/012(A)




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11/YA/010(B) 11/YA/011(B) 11/YA/012(B)

Sample 11/YA/010 weight 4.2g thickness 1.2mm diameter 24mm hole

6.5mm out edge 3mm inner edge 0.5mm The character is Zhuan Shu Xuan

Du (read clockwise) back plain.


back no edge, out edge 3mm inner edge 0.5mm The character is Xing Shu

Xuan Du (read clockwise) back plain.


out edge 2mm inner edge 0.5mm The character is Xing Shu Xuan Du

(read clockwise) back plain.

4. Zhi Dao Yuan Bao

Zhi Dao Yuan Bao was made during Zhi Dao period 995-997 three type of

characters( kai shu xing shu cao shu) also written by the emperor

Song Tai Zong himself Style and size are the same with Chun Hua Yuan Bao.

11/YA/013(A) 11/YA/014(A) 11/YA/015(A)

11/YA/013(B) 11/YA/014(B) 11/YA/015(B)




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Sample 11/YA/013 weight 3.9g thickness 1mm diameter 25mm hole 6.5mm

out edge 3mm inner edge 0.5mm The character is Kai Shu Xuan Du (read

clockwise) back plain.


out edge 3.5mm inner edge 0.7mm The character is Xing Shu Xuan Du


Sample11/YA/015 weight 3.7g thickness 1mm diameter 25mm hole 6mm

out edge 3.5mm inner edge 0.7mm The character is Cao Shu Xuan Du


5. Xian Ping Yuan Bao

Xian Ping Yuan Bao was made during Xian Ping period 998-1003 .Materials

include bronze and iron. There are some coins with wide edge which are may not

circulating but commemorative coins, rare.

11/YA/016(A) 11/YA/016(B) 11/YA/017(A) 11/YA/017(B)

Sample 11/YA/016 weight 3.65g thickness 1mm diameter 23mm hole 5.5mm


clockwise) back plain.

Sample 11/YA/017 weight 3.86g thickness 1mm diameter 24mm hole 6 mm


clockwise) back plain. There is a hole on the left side of

6. Jing De Yuan Bao

Jing De Yuan Bao was made during Jing De period 1004-1007 .Materials

include bronze and iron. There is a lack of stroke in the character .




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11/YA/018(A) 11/YA/018(B)


out edge 2mm inner edge front 0.5mm, inner edge back 1mm The character is Kai

Shu Xuan Du (read clockwise) back plain.

7. Xiang Fu Yuan Bao

Xiang Fu Yuan Bao was made during Da Zhong Xiang Fu period 1008-1016

written by the emperor Materials include bronze and iron. The style of bronze ones is

the same with Xian Ping Yuan Bao. There are also big thick coins with wide edge and

iron coins which pit one against two or three.

11/YA/019(A) 11/YA/019(B)

Sample 11/YA/019 weight 3.55g thickness 1mm diameter 25.5mm hole 7

mm out edge 3mm inner edge front 0.5mm, inner edge back 1mm The character is

Kai Shu Xuan Du (read clockwise) back plain, Cuo Fan(the edge is

not symmetrical)

8. Xiang Fu Tong Bao

Xiang Fu Tong Bao was also made during Da Zhong Xiang Fu period

1008-1016 written by the emperor including two sizes. According to some

scholars,this coin was used to award the ministers, hence the amount is small.




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11/YA/020(A) 11/YA/020(B)



clockwise) back plain

9. Tian Xi Tong Bao

Tian Xi Tong Bao was made during Tian Xi periods 1017-1021 Materials

include bronze and iron. Bronze ones are iron ones pit one against two, very

rare.

11/YA/021(A) 11/YA/021(B)


out edge 3mm inner edge front 0.5mm, inner edge back 1mm The character is Kai

Shu Xuan Du (read clockwise) back plain

10 Tian Sheng Yuan Bao

Tian Sheng Yuan Bao was made during Tian Sheng period 1023-1031

Materials include bronze and iron. Two types of characters( kai shu zhuan

shu)coins are Dui Qian Bronze coins are iron coins include

and Zhe Er Qian coins that pit one against two




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11/YA/022(A) 11/YA/022(B) 11/YA/023(A) 11/YA/023(B)


out edge 2mm inner edge 0.5mm The character is Zhuan Shu Xuan Du

(read clockwise) back plain




11. Ming Dao Yuan Bao

Ming Dao Yuan Bao was made during Ming Dao period 1032-1033 Materials

include bronze and iron. Two types of characters( kai shu zhuan shu)coins

are Dui Qian Most coins are plain on the back, while recently a coin with

character backside was found. The character is not clear and thought to be Qian

stands for Xin Zhou Qian Shan, a place in Song dynasty . This coin with

wide edge , Zhuan shu characters and good technology is the earliest Northern Song

coin with character backside untilnow. Iron coins are rare.

11/YA/024(A) 11/YA/024(B) 11/YA/025(A) 11/YA/025(B)

Sample 11/YA/024 weight 4g thickness 1mm diameter 25mm hole 7 mm

out edge front 2.5mm inner edge front 0.5mm, out edge back 4mm, inner edge back




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1.5mm The character is Kai Shu Xuan Du (read clockwise) back plain

Sample 11/YA/025 weight 5.18g thickness 1.5mm diameter 24mm hole 6.5

mm out edge front 2mm inner edge front 0.5mm, out edge back 4mm, inner edge

back 1.5mm The character is Zhuan Shu Xuan Du (read clockwise) back

plain

12. Jing You Yuan Bao

Jing You Yuan Bao was made during Jing You period 1034-1037 Materials

include bronze and iron. Two types of characters( kai shu zhuan shu)coins

are Dui Qian Bronze coins are iron coins include and

Zhe Er Qian coins that pit one against two

11/YA/026(A) 11/YA/026(B) 11/YA/027(A) 11/YA/027(B)



(read clockwise) back plain

Sample 11/YA/027 weight 3.35g thickness 1mm diameter 25.5mm hole7 mm



13. Huang Song Tong Bao

Huang Song Tong Bao was made during Bao Yuan to late time of

Huang You period 1039-1053 Materials include bronze and iron.Two types of

characters( kai shu zhuan shu)coins are Dui Qian, including

and Zhe Er Qian coins that pit one against two There is a kind of




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Jiu Die Zhuan Wen(a kind of character which is in a fancy style) coin very precious.

a Seal written in Jiu Die Zhuan Wen

11/YA/028(A) 11/YA/029(A) JFU/01(A) 11/YA/030(A)

11/YA/028(B) 11/YA/029(B) JFU/01(B) 11/YA/030(B)

Sample 11/YA/028 weight 3.38g thickness 1mm diameter 24mm hole7 mm

out edge 3.5mm inner edge 1mm The character is Kai Shu Dui Du (read




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across) back plain

Sample 11/YA/029 weight 4g thickness 1mm diameter 24mm hole7.5 mm

out edge 3mm inner edge1mm The character is Li Shu Dui Du (read

across) back plain Hua Chuan(the hole was obviously casted wrong, like a

flower)

Sample JFU/01 weight 3.6g thickness 1mm diameter 27mm hole 7.5 mm

out edge 3mm inner edge 0.5mm, back no edge The character is Zhuan Shu

Dui Du (read across) back plain

Sample 11/YA/030 weight 3.4g thickness 1mm diameter 25mm hole 7.5 mm

out edge 3mm inner edge 1mm The character is Zhuan Shu Dui Du (read

across) back plain.

14. Qing Li Zhong Bao

Qing Li Zhong Bao was made during Qing Li period 1041-1048 Materials

include bronze and iron. Bronze ones are Dang shi qian( which pit one

against ten) ingcluding and There is also iron .also bronze and iron

11/YA/031(A) 11/YA/031(B) 11/YA/032(A) 11/YA/032(B)

Sample 11/YA/031 weight6.6g thickness 1.5mm diameter 29mm hole 7 mm

out edge front 2mm inner edge front 0.8mm, out edge back 4mm, inner edge back

1.5mm The character is Kai Shu Xuan Du (read clockwise) back plain

Sample 11/YA/032 weight6.9g thickness 1.5mm diameter 31mm hole8 mm

out edge 4mm inner edge 0.8mm The character is Kai Shu Dui Du (read

across) back plain




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15. Zhi He Yuan Bao

Zhi He Yuan Bao was made during Zhi He period 1054-1055 until now only

found bronze Three type of characters( zhuan li kai) coins are

11/YA/033(A) 11/YA/033(B) 11/YA/034(A) 11/YA/034(B)

Sample 11/YA/033 weight3.7g thickness 1mm diameter 23mm hole 7 mm


1mm The character is Kai Shu Xuan Du (read clockwise) back plain


out edge front 2mm inner edge front 0.5mm,out edge back 4mm, back no inner edge

The character is Zhuan Shu Xuan Du (read clockwise) back plain

16 Jia You Tong Bao

Jia You Tong Bao was made during Jia You period 1056-1063 bronze

Two type of characters( zhuan kai) coins are

11/YA/035(A) 11/YA/036(A) 11/YA/037(A)

11/YA/035(B) 11/YA/036(B) 11/YA/037(B)

Sample 11/YA/035 weight 3.22g thickness 1mm diameter 23.5mm hole 7




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mm out edge front 2.5mm inner edge front 0.5mm, out edge back 4mm, inner edge

back 1mm The character is Zhuan Shu Dui Du (read across) back plain.


out edge2.5mm inner edge front 0.5mm, back no inner edge The character is Zhuan

Shu Dui Du (read across) back plain.


out edge front 3mm inner edge front 0.5mm The character is Zhuan Shu

Dui Du (read across) back Yi Fan(the edge is not well-shaped, also called

Cuo Fan).

17. Jia You Yuan Bao

Jia You Yuan Bao was made during Jia You period 1056-1063 bronze

Two type of characters( zhuan kai) coins are

11/YA/038(A) 11/YA/038(B) 11/YA/039(A) 11/YA/039(B)


out edge front 2mm inner edge front 0.5mm,out edge back 4mm, inner edge back

1mm The character is Zhuan Shu Xuan Du (read clockwise) back plain

Sample 11/YA/039 weight3.8g thickness 1mm diameter 25mm hole 8.5 mm



18. Zhi Ping Yuan Bao

Zhi Ping Yuan Bao was made during Zhi Ping period 1064-1067 bronze and

iron Two type of characters( zhuan kai) coins are




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11/YA/040(A) 11/YA/040(B) 11/YA/041(A) 11/YA/041(B)

Sample 11/YA/040 weight3.75g thickness 1mm diameter 24mm hole 7 mm

out edge front 2.5mm inner edge front 0.5mm, out edge back3 mm, inner edge back


There is a hole on the upside of


out edge front 2.5mm inner edge front 0.5mm,out edge back 3mm, inner edge back

1mm The character is Zhuan Shu Xuan Du (read clockwise) there is a new

moon formed mark up the hole backside.

19. Xi Ning Yuan Bao

Xi Ning Yuan Bao was made during Xi Ning period(1068-1077 bronze

Three type of characters( zhuan li kai) coins in which coins

are Many versions. coins are much less.

11/YA/042(A) 11/YA/042(B) 11/YA/043(A) 11/YA/043(B)

Sample 11/YA/042 weight3.5g thickness 1mm diameter 24mm hole8 mm




out edge 2.5mm inner edge 0.5mm The character is Zhuan Shu Xuan Du

(read clockwise) back Yi Fan(the edge is not well-shaped, also called

Cuo Fan).

20. Xi Ning Zhong Bao




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Xi Ning Zhong Bao was made during Xi Ning period 1068-1077 all are big

coins including Three type of characters( zhuan li

kai)

11/YA/044(A) 11/YA/045(A) 11/YA/046(A)

11/YA/044(B) 11/YA/045(B) 11/YA/046(B)

Sample 11/YA/044 weight7.34g thickness 1mm diameter 28mm hole7 mm

out edge 4mm inner edge1mm The character is Kai Shu Xuan Du (read


Sample 11/YA/045 weight 8g thickness 1mm diameter 31mm hole8.5 mm

out edge 3.5mm inner edge 1mm The character is Kai Shu Xuan Du (read

clockwise) back Yi Fan(the edge is not well-shaped, also called Cuo

Fan).


out edge 3.5mm inner edge 1mm The character is Zhuan Shu Xuan Du

(read clockwise) back Yi Fan(the edge is not well-shaped, also called Cuo

Fan).

21. Yuan Feng Tong Bao

Yuan Feng Tong Bao was made during Yuan Feng period 1078-1085 Materials

include bronze and iron. Great amount, complicated versions. Three type of




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characters( zhuan li xing) which are Two type of

characters( zhuan xing) which are There are iron

and The calligraphy of Yuan Feng Tong Bao is quite good especially the Li

Shu Coins which was said that a very famous calligrapher and poet Su Dongpo wrote

it, therefore the Li Shu Yuan Feng Tong Bao was called Do Pong Yuan

Feng.

11/YA/047(A) 11/YA/048(A) 11/YA/049(A)

11/YA/047(B) 11/YA/048(B) 11/YA/049(B)



1mm The character is Zhuan Shu Xuan Du (read clockwise), back plain

Sample 11/YA/048 weight 4.3g thickness 1mm diameter 23.5mm hole 7 mm


1mm The character is Xing Shu Xuan Du (read clockwise), back plain

Sample 11/YA/049 weight 7.70g thickness 1.5mm diameter 28mm hole 7

mm out edge 3.5mm inner edge 1mm The character is Xing Shu Xuan Du

(read clockwise), back plain

22. Yuan You Tong Bao

Yuan You Tong Bao was made during Yuan You period(1086-1093 Materials




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include bronze and iron. There are Two type of

characters( zhuan xing) coins which are The characters are said to be

written by Si Maguang and Su Dongpo. All are iron.

11/YA/050(A) 11/YA/051(A) 11/YA/052(A) 11/YA/053(A)

11/YA/050(B) 11/YA/051(B) 11/YA/052(B) 11/YA/053(B)


out edge 3.5mm inner edge 0.8mm The character is Zhuan Shu Xuan Du



out edge 3.5mm inner edge0.8mm The character is Xing Shu Xuan Du



out edge front 3mm inner edge front 1mm,out edge back 3.5mm, inner edge back



out edge front 3mm inner edge front 1mm, out edge back 3.5mm, inner edge back

2mm The character is Xing Shu Xuan Du (read clockwise), back plain




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23. Shao Sheng Yuan Bao

Shao Sheng Yuan Bao was made during Shao Sheng period 1094-1097 ,There

are iron and bronze Three type of characters(

zhuan li xing) coins which are A lot of have big holes. And

the proportion of coins with dot or new moon shaped mark is higher than before and

after.

11/YA/054(A) 11/YA/055(A) 11/YA/056(A) 11/YA/057(A)

11/YA/054(B) 11/YA/055(B) 11/YA/056(B) 11/YA/057(B)

Sample 11/YA/054 weight 8.6g thickness 1.5mm diameter 30mm hole 7 mm

out edge 3.5mm inner edge front 1.5mm, inner edge back 2mm The character is

Zhuan Shu Xuan Du (read clockwise), back plain

Sample 11/YA/055 weight 6.75g thickness 1.5mm diameter 30mm hole 7

mm out edge 3.5mm inner edge front 1.5mm, inner edge back 2mm The character

is Xing Shu Xuan Du (read clockwise), back plain

Sample 11/YA/056 weight4.4g thickness1mm diameter 23mm hole 6 mm

out edge front2mm inner edge front 0.5mm,out edge back 3mm, inner edge back


Sample 11/YA/057 weight 4.0g thickness 1mm diameter23mm hole 6 mm





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(read clockwise), back Yi Fan(the edge is not well-shaped, also called Cuo

Fan).

24. Yuan Fu Tong Bao

Yuan Fu Tong Bao was made during Yuan Fu period 1098-1100 There are iron

and bronze Four type of characters( zhuan li

xing kai) coins which are

11/YA/058(A) 11/YA/059(A) 11/YA/060(A) 11/YA/061(A)

11/YA/058(B) 11/YA/059(B) 11/YA/060(B) 11/YA/061(B)

Sample 11/YA/058 weight3.54g thickness1mm diameter 24mm hole 6 mm



Sample 11/YA/059 weight 3.52g thickness 1mm diameter 23.5mm hole

6.5mm out edge front 3mm inner edge front 0.5mm, out edge back 4mm, inner edge

back 1.5mm The character is Xing Shu Xuan Du (read clockwise), back

plain

Sample 11/YA/060 weight8.6g thickness2mm diameter 30mm hole 6.5 mm







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25. Sheng Song Yuan Bao

When Sheng Song Yuan Bao was made was not recorded, the numismatists

thought it was made in Jian Zhong Jing Guo period(1101) according to its style and

characters. There are iron and bronze Coins written in

zhuan shu xing shu are . There are also coins written in Li shu

kai shu. Very complicated versions.

11/YA/062(A) 11/YA/063(A) 11/YA/064(A) 11/YA/065(A)

11/YA/062(B) 11/YA/063(B) 11/YA/064(B) 11/YA/065(B)


out edge3.5mm inner edge 1mm The character is Xing Shu Xuan Du

(read clockwise), back plain There is a hole up


out edge 3.5mm inner edge 1mm The character is Zhuan Shu Xuan Du



out edge 2mm inner edge front 1mm, inner edge back 1.5mm The character is Xing




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Shu Xuan Du (read clockwise), back plain

Sample 11/YA/065 weight4.1g thickness1mm diameter 25mm hole7 mm

out edge 3mm inner edge 1mm The character is Zhuan Shu Xuan Du


26. Chong Ning Zhong Bao

Chong Ning Zhong Bao was made during Chong Ning period 1102-1106 only

bronze and iron written in li shu The calligraph is very good , which

was said to be written by a famous minister Cai Jing. The coins with light body and

bad calligraphy are illegal copies.

11/YA/066(A) 11/YA/067(A)

11/YA/066(B) 11/YA/067(B)

Sample 11/YA/066 weight 10.25g,thickness 3mm diameter35mm hole9 mm

out edge 2mm inner edge 1mm The character is Kai Shu Dui Du (read

across) back plain

Sample 11/YA/067 weight 9.55g,thickness 3mm diameter32mm hole8.5 mm


across) back plain

27. Chong Ning Tong Bao




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Chong Ning Tong Bao was made during Chong Ning period 1102-1106 which

was written by the emperor Song Hui Zong .The calligraphy is good and so

called Shou Jin Ti or Tie Xian Shu Complicated versions. There

are bronze and iron After, the big coins

devalued and were changed to be which were still used in the early time of

Southern Song dynasty.

11/YA/068(A) 11/YA/068(B)

Sample 11/YA/068 weight 9.90g,thickness2.5mm diameter34mm hole9 mm

out edge 1.5mm inner edge 1mm The character is Kai Shu Xuan Du (read


28. Da Guan Tong Bao

Da Guan Tong Bao was made during Da Guan period 1107-1110 which was

also written by Song Hui Zong.There are bronze and iron

Complicated versions. There are also iron written in

xing shu.

11/YA/069(A) 11/YA/069(B)


out edge 1.5mm inner edge0.5mm The character is Kai Shu Dui Du (read




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across) back plain

29. Zheng He Tong Bao

Zheng He Tong Bao was made during Zhen He period 1111-1117 there are

bronze and iron complicated versions Two types of

characters( zhuan li).The includes sth like kai shu so sometimes

also called The differences are in the character and .

11/YA/070(A) 11/YA/071(A) 11/YA/072(A)

11/YA/070(B) 11/YA/071(B) 11/YA/072(B)

Sample 11/YA/070 weight3.65g thickness 1mm diameter 25mm hole 6.5 mm

out edge 3.5mm inner edge 1mm The character is Zhuan Shu Du Du (read

across), back plain

Sample 11/YA/071 weight8.2g,thickness 2mm diameter30mm hole7 mm

out edge 3mm inner edge front 0.5mm, inner edge back 1.5mm The character is Kai

Shu Dui Du (read across) back plain


out edge4mm inner edge 1mm The character is Zhuan Shu Dui Du (read

across) back plain




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30. Xuan He Tong Bao

Xuan He Tong Bao was made during Xuan He period 1119-1125 there are

bronze and iron Two type of characters( zhuan

li) most are There are a lot of differences in the characters. Good technology,

complicated versions.

11/YA/073(A) 11/YA/074(A) 11/YA/075(A) 11/YA/076(A)

11/YA/073(B) 11/YA/074(B) 11/YA/075(B) 11/YA/076(B)

Sampele 11/YA/073 weight 7.8g thickness2mm diameter 28mm hole 7 mm

out edge 3mm inner edge 1mm The character is Zhuan Shu Du Du (read

across), back plain


out edge 3mm inner edge 1mm The character is Zhuan Shu Du Du (read

across), back Yi Fan(the edge is not well-shaped, also called Cuo Fan).

Sample 11/YA/075 weight6.77g,thickness 1.5mm diameter28mm hole7 mm


across) back plain



across) back plain




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Southern Song Dynasty coins

1. Jian Yan Tong Bao

Jian Yan Tong Bao was made during Jian Yan period 1127-1130 there are

bronze and iron Two type of characters( zhuan

li)coins are Complicated versions.

11/YA/077(A) 11/YA/078(A) 11/YA/079(A) 11/YA/080(A)

11/YA/077(B) 11/YA/078(B) 11/YA/079(B) 11/YA/080(B)

Sample 11/YA/077 weight6.40g,thickness 1.5mm diameter31mm hole7.5 mm


across) back plain

Sample 11/YA/078 weight6.1g,thickness 1mm diameter29mm hole7.5 mm

out edge 2.5mm inner edge 1mm The character is Kai Shu Dui Du (read




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across) back plain

Sample 11/YA/079 weight3.6g,thickness 0.9mm diameter27.5mm hole7 mm


across) back plain

Sample 11/YA/080 weight 4.25g thickness1mm diameter 28mm hole 7 mm

out edge front 2mm inner edge front 1mm, out edge back 2.5mm, inner edge back

1.5mm The character is Zhuan Shu Du Du (read across), back plain

2. Shao Xing Yuan Bao

Shao Xing Yuan Bao was made during Shao Sheng period 1131-1162 only

bronze Two type of characters( zhuan kai)coins are

are rare There is a kind of personal casted Shao Xing Yuan Bao

written in Kai shu which was always thought to be but it is thicker and the

hole is wider, so it is easy to make a distinction.

11/YA/081(A) 11/YA/082(A)

11/YA/081(B) 11/YA/082(B)

Sample 11/YA/081 weight7.60g thickness2.9mm diameter 29mm hole7.5

mm out edge 2mm inner edge 0.5mm The character is Zhuan Shu Xuan Du





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Sample 11/YA/082 weight7.45g thickness2.5mm diameter 29mm hole9 mm


clockwise) There are a new moon shaped mark up the hole and a dot shaped mark

down the hole on the backside.

3. Shao Xing Tong Bao

Shao Xing Tong Bao was made during Shao Sheng period 1131-1162 there are

bronze and iron ,all written in Kai shu Also rare

the characters are very similar to Shou Jin Ti maybe not circulate

officially.

11/YA/083(A) 11/YA/083(B)



across) back plain

4. Long Xing Yuan Bao

Long Xing Yuan Bao was made during Long Xing period 1163-1164 there is

no bronze only Two type of characters( zhuan kai)coins are

There are iron xuan du dui du also

two type of characters( zhuan kai).

11/YA/084(A) 11/YA/085(A)




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11/YA/084(B) 11/YA/085(B)


out edge front 2.5mm inner edge front 1mm, out edge back 3mm, inner edge back

1.5mm The character is Kai Shu Xuan Du (read clockwise), back plain


out edge front 2.5mm inner edge front 1mm, out edge back 3mm, inner edge back

1.5mm The character is Zhuan Shu Xuan Du (read clockwise), back plain

5. Qian Dao Yuan Bao

Qian Dao Yuan Bao was made during Qian Dao period 1165-1173 there are

bronze and iron two type of characters( zhuan kai),

bronze ones are a little of iron coins are complicated versions.

11/YA/086(A) 11/YA/086(B) 11/YA/087(A) 11/YA/087(B)

Sample 11/YA/086 weight5.60g thickness2mm diameter 28mm hole8 mm

out edge 3.5mm inner edge front 1mm, inner edge back 1.5mm The character is

Zhuan Shu Xuan Du (read clockwise), There are a new moon shaped mark

up the hole and a dot shaped mark down the hole on the backside.

Sample 11/s/087 weight4.80g thickness1.5mm diameter 27mm hole7 mm

Chinese Coins Found in Sri Lanka

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