Chinese cash coins string

Chinese cash coins, with square holes, were traditionally strung together on cords, serving as currency in imperial China for over two millennia.

About this subject

Chinese cash coins (simplified Chinese: 方孔钱; pinyin: fāng kǒng qián) are among the world's oldest monetary systems, originating around the 4th century BC. They were cast in bronze, brass, or iron, featuring a central square hole that allowed them to be strung on cords. A typical string contained 100 or 1,000 coins, known as a guàn (貫) or diào (吊), representing fixed denominations. This design facilitated transportation and counting, used by merchants and commoners alike. The coins circulated through dynasties such as Han, Tang, Song, and Qing, only being phased out in the early 20th century. Each dynasty minted its own inscriptions, usually the reign title. Notably, the square hole symbolized the connection between heaven (round) and earth (square) in traditional Chinese cosmology. Strings of cash also appear in cultural practices, such as prosperity amulets and wedding ceremonies, where they were tied with red ribbons. Though no longer legal tender, cash coin strings are collected by numismatists and valued as historical artifacts, representing the economy and artistry of ancient China.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many coins were in a typical string of cash?

A standard string contained 100 or 1,000 coins, called a diào (吊) and guàn (貫) respectively. It was the basic unit of account in imperial China.

Why do Chinese cash coins have a square hole?

The square hole allowed coins to be strung on cords for easy transport and counting, and also held cosmologic significance: the circle represented heaven and the square represented earth.

Are cash coin strings still used today?

Not as currency, but they are popular in cultural practices as good luck amulets, in Chinese New Year decorations, and in wedding ceremonies to symbolize prosperity.