Chinese cash coins string

Chinese cash coins strung together, known as cash strings, served as a form of currency for centuries in imperial China.

About this subject

Chinese cash coins are small round coins with a square hole in the center, originating from ancient China. They were minted for over two millennia, from the Qin dynasty (221, 206 BCE) to the early 20th century. The square hole allowed coins to be strung together on cords, forming 'cash strings'. Each string typically contained 100 or 1,000 coins, facilitating transport and counting for large transactions. This system was widely used in daily commerce, especially before the introduction of paper money and Western coins.

The shape of cash coins symbolized Chinese cosmology: the circle represented heaven and the square represented earth. Inscriptions on the coins often indicated the reign of the issuing emperor. During the Tang dynasty (618, 907), the string system became standardized, with Kaiyuan Tongbao coins becoming the norm. The practice of stringing coins also influenced cultural traditions, such as their use in wedding ceremonies or as good-luck charms.

With the decline of the empire and the adoption of modern currency, cash coins were gradually phased out. Today, they are valuable collectibles, especially intact strings or coins from specific dynasties. The study of these artifacts offers insights into the economy, art, and religion of imperial China.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many coins made up a typical cash string?

A typical string contained 100 or 1,000 coins, with 1,000 coins sometimes equivalent to one tael of silver.

Why do Chinese cash coins have a square hole?

The square hole allowed coins to be strung together, and also symbolized the connection between heaven (circle) and earth (square) in Chinese cosmology.

Are cash strings still used today?

No, they were officially phased out after the fall of the Chinese empire, but they are widely collected and used in decoration or traditional rituals.