China: Enormous Hoard of Tang and Song Coins

[DLTcoins]

A hoard of coins from the Tang (AD 618-907) and Song (960-1279) dynasties totaling 1.5 tonnes has been unearthed in eastern China.

https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202212/1280957.shtml

[shanxi]

Thanks for sharing. When I read the title I thought it was about my collection: 

 

Tang
Obv: Kai Yuan Tong Bao 開元通寶
Rev: blank
Value:
Year: later type, 732-907
Material: AE, 2.88g, 25mm
Literature: Hartill 14.8
Identifying features for the late type:
(a) The two middle lines in the bai of Bao are in contact with the vertical lines.
b: The upper stroke of the yuan is long.The middle strokes of the wharf touch the hole.

 

Song

Ruler: Huizong, 徽宗
Obv: Zheng He Tong Bao, 政和通寶, Seal Script, round Bao.
Rev: the seven stars of the great chariot
Year: time of Huizong or later
Material: Fe, 31mm, 11.02g
Ref.: Zhongguo Guqian Daji, page 605, 2
Charm type coin or charm resembling a coin

 

 

 

Edited December 3, 2022 by shanxi

[Al Kowsky]

13 hours ago, DLTcoins said:

A hoard of coins from the Tang (AD 618-907) and Song (960-1279) dynasties totaling 1.5 tonnes has been unearthed in eastern China.

https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202212/1280957.shtml

3,300 pounds of coins is a large hoard 😧!

[CPK]

That's incredible! Why would someone have that much wealth stored in the form of base metal coins? Convert it into gold or silver bullion or something - or were those metals very scarce in ancient China?

[Tejas]

On 12/3/2022 at 3:54 PM, CPK said:

That's incredible! Why would someone have that much wealth stored in the form of base metal coins? Convert it into gold or silver bullion or something - or were those metals very scarce in ancient China?

Yes, I think gold and silver were almost completely unavailable in China in significant quantities, which is why base metals (bronze and even iron) dominated their coin system.

Edited December 6, 2022 by Tejas