Coinage of the Qin Dynasty

Ancient coins, Monies museum

Key Dates

From the reign of Qin Shi Huang (259-210 BC).

Key People

The First Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang left a lasting legacy. After uniting China's warring states he introduced economic measures including a single series of measures and weights, a single script and a unified currency. Previously a number of non-standardised currencies had been in use making conversion difficult and inconvenient. Qin coins were circular with a square whole in the centre and these became the national currency. Coins continued to be made on this model for the next 2,000 years until the Qing Dynasty.

Origin & Collection
On display at: 
Shaanxi History Museum
Additional information on display location: 
Qin Dynasty gallery.
Physical properties
Materials: 
Bronze
Images
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