5 Zhu ("Western Han" type; with dot)

China (ancient) • -90

Denomination: 5 Zhu
Issuer: China (ancient)
Year struck: -90
Composition: Bronze
Weight: 3.11 g
Diameter: 24 mm
Catalog refs: Hartill 8.12

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Lore

Why it matters

These ancient bronze coins reflect a significant era of standardized currency in early Chinese history, serving as a tangible connection to the daily life and commerce of a distant past. Collectors prize these pieces for their historical weight and the classic aesthetic of their simple, functional design.

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Provenance

Where it came from

The 5 Zhu coin was introduced by Emperor Wu of the Western Han dynasty in 118 BCE to standardize the erratic currency system of the early imperial period. By the time this specific issue was minted around 90 BCE, the coin had become the bedrock of the Chinese economy, featuring a circular shape with a square hole that allowed for convenient stringing. Its design, characterized by the elegant seal script characters 'Wu Zhu', represented a deliberate effort by the state to centralize fiscal control and replace the varied, often debased issues of local feudal lords.

This specific variant, distinguished by the presence of a decorative dot or small mark, reflects the metallurgical and minting standards maintained by the Western Han imperial workshops. During this era, the government strictly controlled the casting process to ensure weight consistency, a rarity in ancient commerce. Historians view these coins not merely as currency, but as evidence of the Han dynasty's administrative reach, as they were produced in such vast quantities that they remained a standard of exchange for centuries, influencing coinage styles across East Asia long after the dynasty fell.

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About

About 5 Zhu ("Western Han" type; with dot)

5 Zhu ("Western Han" type; with dot) is a coin in the Coins catalog on collecto.rs. China (ancient) • -90. Catalog data is sourced from Numista. No public coins collectors track this one yet — adding yours would make you the first on collecto.rs.

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Where does the 5 Zhu ("Western Han" type; with dot) catalog entry come from?

The catalog entry for 5 Zhu ("Western Han" type; with dot) is sourced from Numista. Catalog-level facts stay consistent across every collector; your own data (condition, edition, acquisition notes) is yours.