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Ten “Half-Ounce” Coins (Banliang)

Qin dynasty (221–206 BCE)
Not on view
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.
The Qin economy was monetarized in the mid-fourth century, and over time many different types of bronze coin were in circulation. This mold may date from 210 B.C., when the First Emperor ordered the issue of greater numbers of “half-ounce” coins. The Qin also used standard-sized bolts of cloth as a medium of exchange, with one length of cloth equaling eleven coins. The Han generally followed Qin monetary policy and, under Emperor Wu (r. 141–87 B.C.), issued a new type of bronze coin, the wuzhu, consolidating production in 114 B.C.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 秦 “半两” 铜钱十枚
  • Title: Ten “Half-Ounce” Coins (Banliang)
  • Period: Qin dynasty (221–206 BCE)
  • Culture: China
  • Medium: Bronze
  • Dimensions: Each: Diam. 1 3/8 in. (3.5 cm)
  • Classification: Metalwork
  • Credit Line: Lent by Xi'an Museum
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art