Download - Chinese Coins Found in Sri Lanka
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Dr.Chandima Bogahawatta(PhD)
Senior Lecturer In Archaeology
University of Kelaniya
Sri Lnaka
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Chinese Coins Found In Sri Lanka
1. A brief introduction
Ancient Sri Lankan specially liked Chinese coins. Gong Zhen, who followed
Xi Yang Fan Guo Zhi
Chinese musk, silk, porcelain and coins a lot, they traded with gems and pea
Xing Cha Sheng Lan and Ma
Ying Ya Sheng Lan. Furthermore, a great number of Chinese ancient coins
found in Sri Lanka also prove this.The following is a brief introduction of Chinese
ancient coins found in Sri Lanka.
Chinese ancient coins found through excavation in Sri Lanka begins from the
early time of 20th
century. In the year of 1906, a Chinese coin was found in
Kurunegala. Before 1911, another 6 were found in Anuradhapura, and 6 in
Polonnaruwa, 10 in Yapahuwa. Besides, some Chinese ancient coins were found in
excavation in Alutvewa, Matale, Nindavur, Kurukkalmadam, Kalmunai before 1924.
18 were found during they repaired the railway in Talaimannar. At that time, Sri
Lankan archeologists knew nothing about Chinese Coins, hence they send those coins
to the museum of great Britain. The British archeologists claimed that those coins
belonged to Northern and Southern Song Dynasty, the earliest was Zhi Dao Yuan Bao
made during 995-998 and the latest was Jia Tai Tong Bao made during 1201-1205.
There is no record that Britain had returned those coins.
There are two big excavations of Chinese ancient coins in Sri Lanka. The first
time was in 1911, archeologists found 1452 Chinese coins in Yapahuwa which are
now collected in Anuradhapura Archeological Museum. Unfortunately, 20 coins were
stolen in a exhibition and then an unknown archeologist took at least 10. Sri Lankan
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Dr.Chandima Bogahawatta(PhD)
Senior Lecturer In Archaeology
University of Kelaniya
Sri Lnaka
2
archeologists only know these lost coins were made in Song Dynasty. French
archeologist Francois Thierry researched 381 of these coins and claimed that 266
coins were from Northern Song Dynasty, 114 coins were from Sorthern Song Dynasty
and one was a copy made by Vietnam.
The second time was in 2009, a farmer of Kurunegala found more than 4000
Chinese coins when he was farming. He thought these coins were ancient washers and
sold them to a local hardware store. After then some people realized that these stuff
were antiques and bought some of the coins. In November of this year, the National
Museum got the news and bought the rest 2000 coin . No research was carried on
after these coins came to the museum because of no Sri Lankan Expert of Chinese
ancient coins. I saw these coins in Dec. 2009 while they were in a bad condition
without any clear. I found a Wu Zhu Qian, different versions of Kai Yuan Tong Bao
and various coins of Song Dynasty in a random check.
2. A research of Chinese ancient coins found in Sri Lanka
From January to March, 2010, I did a research of the Chinese coins found in
Yapahuwa. While these coins had been excavated more than a century and there was
no excavation report, the detailed situation back that time cannot been known. We
only know that they were stored in jar and came out with it, which now cannot been
traced. The coins are all made of bronze, from Qin dynasty to Southern Song dynasty.
According to my statistics, these coins includes :
Qin Dynasty 1 kind;
Han Dynasty 1 kind
Tang Dynasty 2 kind;
Wu dai shi guo(five dynasties ten kingdoms period) 1 kind;
Northern Song Dynasty 30 kind;
Southern Song Dynasty 18 kind
Ji Zhong Qian(Characters are the weight) 1 kind;
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Dr.Chandima Bogahawatta(PhD)
Senior Lecturer In Archaeology
University of Kelaniya
Sri Lnaka
3
Ji Nian Qian(characters are the time) 51 kind
Guo Hao Qian(name of the dynasty ) 6 kinds
Yuan Bao Qian 3 kind
Tong Bao Qian 3 kind
Nian Hao Qian 45 kind
Yuan Bao Qian 20 kind
Tong Bao Qian 22kind
Zhong Bao Qian 3kind
Before Song Dynasty
1. Ban Liang
Ban Liang is a kind of coin which was popular during Zhan Guo period,Qin
dynasty and Han dynasty. It was first made by Qin kingdom during Zhan Guo period,
approximately in the year of 336BC. Some scholars believe that in 348BC, Qin
kingdom had started to make Ban Liang while some other think it is 378BC. But these
two opinions are lack of archeological supports. The weights and sizes of Ban Liang
are not the same, especially because of the long period of usage and the complicated
versions. Generally, Ban Liang made in Qin dynasty are thicker and heavier than that
of Han dynasty, the characters of Qin Ban Liang are Xiao Zhuan, higher and a litter
rounder.
11/YA/001(A) 11/YA/001(B)
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Dr.Chandima Bogahawatta(PhD)
Senior Lecturer In Archaeology
University of Kelaniya
Sri Lnaka
4
Sample 11/YA/001 weight 2.31g thickness 0.9mm diameter 23mm hole 8mm
No edge. The two in the character is short, back plain.
recognize the characters which came out after being cleared. The coin itself is thin and
the characters are shallow. The British Museum had do a research of Chinese ancient
coins and made a list of the time, weight, technology, material, size, etc. of various
kinds. According to this research and the size and technology of this Bang Liang, I
think it should be made in Qin dynasty.
2. Wu Zhu
In the year of 11
was over. Wu Zhu Qian has a moderate weight and good design, hence it became the
model of coins after. Wu Zhu had been still used until Sui dynasty and was used in a
739 years. It is the coin which was made and used in the longest time in Chinese
history, so the versions are quite complicated.
11/KU/01(A) 11/KU/01(B)
Sample 09/KU/01 weight 2.66g thickness 1mm diameter 23mm hole 8mm.
Out edge both, no inner edge front. out edge1.5mm inner edge 1mm back plain
Technology is good, stroke is clear. The two crossed strokes of are a little round,
the top of the left part of is a triangle and the top of the right part is quite straight.
dynasties , started from the year of 562AD( ).
3. Kai Yuan Tong Bao
In the year of 621( wu de Tang dynasty disused Wu Zhu and made
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Dr.Chandima Bogahawatta(PhD)
Senior Lecturer In Archaeology
University of Kelaniya
Sri Lnaka
5
new coins. The emperor ordered a famous calligrapher and minister named Ou Yang
xun to name the coin and write it. The new coin was named Kai Yuan Tong Bao, also
read as Kai Tong Yuan Bao. It is a big change to the meanings of coin characters and
it influenced a lot to the coins after and the foreign coins. Kai Yuan Tong Bao had
been used until the late time of Tang dynasty. In 922, Hou Liang kingdom of
Wu Dai Shi Guo also made Kai Yuan Tong Bao big iron coins. Southern Tang
kingdom of had also made Kai Yuan Tong Bao. The amount of early Kai
Yuan Tong Bao is comparatively small, so the versions are not that much. The size is
standard, the technology is good. The first stroke of is short, the left shoulder of
the second stroke is up. The three dots of the left part of are not connected, the
front opening of the right part is big the middle two strokes of the down part
of are not connected to other strokes.
The middle Kai Yuan Tong Bao: great amount, complicated versions, size and
weight basically the same. The first stroke of is long, the second stroke is left up
or right up, or two sides up; e connected, the
front opening of the right part is smaller; the middle two strokes of the down part
The late Kai Yuan Tong Bao: small amount but quite complicated , bad
technology, small size. Th
right up, or no side up.
11/YA/002(A) 11/YA/003(A) 11/YA/004(A)
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Dr.Chandima Bogahawatta(PhD)
Senior Lecturer In Archaeology
University of Kelaniya
Sri Lnaka
6
11/YA/002(B) 11/YA/003(B) 11/YA/004(B)
Sample 11/YA/002 weight 3.75g thickness 1mm diameter 23mm hole 7mm
out edge 2mm inner edge 0.5mm The character is Li Shu back plain It is
an early Kai Yuan Tong Bao made during 621( ) to middle time of Kai Yuan
period(713-741)
Sample 11/YA/003 weight 3.6g thickness 1mm diameter 24mm hole 7mm
out edge 2.5mm inner edge 0.5mm The character is Li Shu there is a
new-moon-formed mark up the hole on the back. It is a middle Kai Yuan Tong Bao
made during late time of Kai Yuan period(713-741) to Kai Cheng period(836-840).
Sample 11/YA/004 weight 3.7g thickness 1mm diameter 25mm,hole 7mm
out edge 2mm inner edge 0.5mm The character is Li Shu there is a
new-moon-formed mark up the hole on the back. It is a middle Kai Yuan Tong Bao
made during late time of Kai Yuan period(713-741) to Kai Cheng period(836-840).
4. Qian Yuan Zhong Bao
Qian Yuan Zhong Bao was first made in 758( .The structure of the
characters is nian hao + bao wen .It is the first Zhong Bao coin. The
Qian Yuan Zhong Bao made in 758 pitted one against ten, weighted approximately 7 g.
After then the weight was cut down and the versions became complicated. There was
a kind of Chong Lun(double outer edges) Qian Yuan coin made in 759
which pitted one against fifty, weighted approximately 20g and then was cut
down ,hence the sizes are quite different. In the year of 762, emperor Tang Dai Zong
also made Qian Yuan Zhong Bao. Most Qian Yuan Zhong Bao are back plain, a small
number of them have dot, new moon, cloud or bird formed marks.
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Dr.Chandima Bogahawatta(PhD)
Senior Lecturer In Archaeology
University of Kelaniya
Sri Lnaka
7
11/YA/005(A) 11/YA/006(A)
11/YA/005(B) 11/YA/006(B)
Sample 11/YA/005 weight 3.90g thickness 1.5mm diameter 25mm hole 8mm
out edge 2mm inner edge front 0.4mm inner edge back 1mm The character is Li
Shu Dui Du (read across) a new moon formed mark down the hole
backside.
Sample 11/YA/006 weight 2.70g thickness 1mm diameter 22.5mm hole 8mm
out edge front 1mm inner edge front 0.4mm out edge back 2mm inner edge back
1mm The character is Li Shu Dui Du (read across) a new moon formed
mark down the hole backside.
These two coins are Jian Zhong(the weight was cut down) Qian Yuan
Zhong Bao should be made during 758-762( - bao ying )
5. Tang Guo Tong Bao
Tang Guo Tong Bao was made during Jiao Tai period(958-960) of Southern Tang
kingdom. It is a Guo Hao Qian(named from the title of the dynasty or
kingdom) The amount is big, versions are complicated. The characters were written
in three types including zhuan shu li shu , kai shu, hence we got
Dui Qian( two coins which are the same unless the type of characters are called
Dui Qian). There are also iron Tang Guo Tong Bao.
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Dr.Chandima Bogahawatta(PhD)
Senior Lecturer In Archaeology
University of Kelaniya
Sri Lnaka
8
11/YA/007(A) 11/YA/007(B)
Sample 11/YA/007 weight 3.67g thickness 1mm diameter 24mm hole 7mm
out edge front 2mm inner edge front 0.8mm out edge back 3mm inner edge back
2mm The character is Zhuan Shu Dui Du (read across) back plain.
Northern Song Dynasty coins
1. Song Tong Yuan Bao
Song Tong Yuan Bao was first made in the year of 960( jian long . It is
the first coin of Song dynasty, also read as Song Yuan Tong Bao. The amount is great,
all are Xiao Ping Qian(the smallest valued coin). Most are plain on the back
while a small number have dot or new moon formed marks. Many versions. The
character is Li Shu the left of the second stroke of is up which is a result
of imitation to Kai Yuan Tong Bao. Song Tong Yuan Bao were used during Qian
De(963-968) and Kai Bao(968-976) periods.
11/YA/008(A) 11/YA/008(B)
Sample 11/YA/008 weight 3.32g thickness 1mm diameter 24mm hole 7mm
out edge 3mm inner edge front 0.8mm inner edge back 1mm The character is Li
Shu Xuan Du (read clockwise) back plain. The left of the second stroke
so it is called
Liang Yan Qian or Shuang Yan Qian rare
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Dr.Chandima Bogahawatta(PhD)
Senior Lecturer In Archaeology
University of Kelaniya
Sri Lnaka
9
2. Tai Ping Tong Bao
Tai Ping Tong Bao was made during Tai Ping Xing Guo period 976-984 .It is a
Nian Hao Qian(named from the title of a period) but only use the first two
words The style is a imitation to Song Tong Yuan Bao. The technology is as
good as Kai Yuan Tong Bao. There are big Tai Ping Tong Bao that pit one against
ten, with a dot up the hole on the back, which is only a commemorative coin and a
small number survived.
11/YA/009(A) 11/YA/009(B)
Sample 11/YA/009 weight 3.94g thickness 1.2mm diameter 25mm hole 7mm
out edge 3mm inner edge 0.8mm The character is Li Shu Dui Du (read
across) back plain.
3. Chun Hua Yuan Bao
Chun Hua Yuan Bao was made during Chun Hua period 990-994 which was
written in three type of characters( kai shu xing shu cao shu) by the
emperor Song Tai Zong himself and it is the first coin written by emperor Gold
Chun Hua Yuan Bao had been found in Wu Tai Shan , with each Buddha
statue on the left and right side of the hole backside. It is thought to be
Gong Yang Qian(a kind of coin offered to Buddha.)
11/YA/010(A) 11/YA/011(A) 11/YA/012(A)
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Dr.Chandima Bogahawatta(PhD)
Senior Lecturer In Archaeology
University of Kelaniya
Sri Lnaka
10
11/YA/010(B) 11/YA/011(B) 11/YA/012(B)
Sample 11/YA/010 weight 4.2g thickness 1.2mm diameter 24mm hole
6.5mm out edge 3mm inner edge 0.5mm The character is Zhuan Shu Xuan
Du (read clockwise) back plain.
Sample 11/YA/011 weight 4.15g thickness 1mm diameter 24mm hole 6mm
back no edge, out edge 3mm inner edge 0.5mm The character is Xing Shu
Xuan Du (read clockwise) back plain.
Sample 11/YA/012 weight 3.75g thickness 1mm diameter 24mm hole 7mm
out edge 2mm inner edge 0.5mm The character is Xing Shu Xuan Du
(read clockwise) back plain.
4. Zhi Dao Yuan Bao
Zhi Dao Yuan Bao was made during Zhi Dao period 995-997 three type of
characters( kai shu xing shu cao shu) also written by the emperor
Song Tai Zong himself Style and size are the same with Chun Hua Yuan Bao.
11/YA/013(A) 11/YA/014(A) 11/YA/015(A)
11/YA/013(B) 11/YA/014(B) 11/YA/015(B)
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Dr.Chandima Bogahawatta(PhD)
Senior Lecturer In Archaeology
University of Kelaniya
Sri Lnaka
11
Sample 11/YA/013 weight 3.9g thickness 1mm diameter 25mm hole 6.5mm
out edge 3mm inner edge 0.5mm The character is Kai Shu Xuan Du (read
clockwise) back plain.
Sample 11/YA/014 weight 3.8g thickness 1mm diameter 25mm hole 6mm
out edge 3.5mm inner edge 0.7mm The character is Xing Shu Xuan Du
(read clockwise) back plain.
Sample11/YA/015 weight 3.7g thickness 1mm diameter 25mm hole 6mm
out edge 3.5mm inner edge 0.7mm The character is Cao Shu Xuan Du
(read clockwise) back plain.
5. Xian Ping Yuan Bao
Xian Ping Yuan Bao was made during Xian Ping period 998-1003 .Materials
include bronze and iron. There are some coins with wide edge which are may not
circulating but commemorative coins, rare.
11/YA/016(A) 11/YA/016(B) 11/YA/017(A) 11/YA/017(B)
Sample 11/YA/016 weight 3.65g thickness 1mm diameter 23mm hole 5.5mm
out edge 3mm inner edge 0.5mm The character is Kai Shu Xuan Du (read
clockwise) back plain.
Sample 11/YA/017 weight 3.86g thickness 1mm diameter 24mm hole 6 mm
out edge 3mm inner edge 0.5mm The character is Kai Shu Xuan Du (read
clockwise) back plain. There is a hole on the left side of
6. Jing De Yuan Bao
Jing De Yuan Bao was made during Jing De period 1004-1007 .Materials
include bronze and iron. There is a lack of stroke in the character .
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Dr.Chandima Bogahawatta(PhD)
Senior Lecturer In Archaeology
University of Kelaniya
Sri Lnaka
12
11/YA/018(A) 11/YA/018(B)
Sample 11/YA/018 weight 3.25g thickness 1mm diameter 24mm hole 7 mm
out edge 2mm inner edge front 0.5mm, inner edge back 1mm The character is Kai
Shu Xuan Du (read clockwise) back plain.
7. Xiang Fu Yuan Bao
Xiang Fu Yuan Bao was made during Da Zhong Xiang Fu period 1008-1016
written by the emperor Materials include bronze and iron. The style of bronze ones is
the same with Xian Ping Yuan Bao. There are also big thick coins with wide edge and
iron coins which pit one against two or three.
11/YA/019(A) 11/YA/019(B)
Sample 11/YA/019 weight 3.55g thickness 1mm diameter 25.5mm hole 7
mm out edge 3mm inner edge front 0.5mm, inner edge back 1mm The character is
Kai Shu Xuan Du (read clockwise) back plain, Cuo Fan(the edge is
not symmetrical)
8. Xiang Fu Tong Bao
Xiang Fu Tong Bao was also made during Da Zhong Xiang Fu period
1008-1016 written by the emperor including two sizes. According to some
scholars,this coin was used to award the ministers, hence the amount is small.
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Dr.Chandima Bogahawatta(PhD)
Senior Lecturer In Archaeology
University of Kelaniya
Sri Lnaka
13
11/YA/020(A) 11/YA/020(B)
Sample 11/YA/020 weight 3.24g thickness 1mm diameter 25mm hole 7 mm
out edge 3mm inner edge 0.5mm The character is Kai Shu Xuan Du (read
clockwise) back plain
9. Tian Xi Tong Bao
Tian Xi Tong Bao was made during Tian Xi periods 1017-1021 Materials
include bronze and iron. Bronze ones are iron ones pit one against two, very
rare.
11/YA/021(A) 11/YA/021(B)
Sample 11/YA/021 weight 3.56g thickness 1mm diameter 25mm hole 6 mm
out edge 3mm inner edge front 0.5mm, inner edge back 1mm The character is Kai
Shu Xuan Du (read clockwise) back plain
10 Tian Sheng Yuan Bao
Tian Sheng Yuan Bao was made during Tian Sheng period 1023-1031
Materials include bronze and iron. Two types of characters( kai shu zhuan
shu)coins are Dui Qian Bronze coins are iron coins include
and Zhe Er Qian coins that pit one against two
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Dr.Chandima Bogahawatta(PhD)
Senior Lecturer In Archaeology
University of Kelaniya
Sri Lnaka
14
11/YA/022(A) 11/YA/022(B) 11/YA/023(A) 11/YA/023(B)
Sample 11/YA/022 weight 4.5g thickness 1mm diameter 25mm hole 7 mm
out edge 2mm inner edge 0.5mm The character is Zhuan Shu Xuan Du
(read clockwise) back plain
Sample 11/YA/023 weight 3.9g thickness 1mm diameter 25mm hole 8 mm
out edge 2mm inner edge 0.5mm The character is Kai Shu Xuan Du (read
clockwise) back plain
11. Ming Dao Yuan Bao
Ming Dao Yuan Bao was made during Ming Dao period 1032-1033 Materials
include bronze and iron. Two types of characters( kai shu zhuan shu)coins
are Dui Qian Most coins are plain on the back, while recently a coin with
character backside was found. The character is not clear and thought to be Qian
stands for Xin Zhou Qian Shan, a place in Song dynasty . This coin with
wide edge , Zhuan shu characters and good technology is the earliest Northern Song
coin with character backside untilnow. Iron coins are rare.
11/YA/024(A) 11/YA/024(B) 11/YA/025(A) 11/YA/025(B)
Sample 11/YA/024 weight 4g thickness 1mm diameter 25mm hole 7 mm
out edge front 2.5mm inner edge front 0.5mm, out edge back 4mm, inner edge back
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Dr.Chandima Bogahawatta(PhD)
Senior Lecturer In Archaeology
University of Kelaniya
Sri Lnaka
15
1.5mm The character is Kai Shu Xuan Du (read clockwise) back plain
Sample 11/YA/025 weight 5.18g thickness 1.5mm diameter 24mm hole 6.5
mm out edge front 2mm inner edge front 0.5mm, out edge back 4mm, inner edge
back 1.5mm The character is Zhuan Shu Xuan Du (read clockwise) back
plain
12. Jing You Yuan Bao
Jing You Yuan Bao was made during Jing You period 1034-1037 Materials
include bronze and iron. Two types of characters( kai shu zhuan shu)coins
are Dui Qian Bronze coins are iron coins include and
Zhe Er Qian coins that pit one against two
11/YA/026(A) 11/YA/026(B) 11/YA/027(A) 11/YA/027(B)
Sample 11/YA/026 weight 3.5g thickness 1mm diameter 25mm hole 7 mm
out edge 2mm inner edge 0.5mm The character is Zhuan Shu Xuan Du
(read clockwise) back plain
Sample 11/YA/027 weight 3.35g thickness 1mm diameter 25.5mm hole7 mm
out edge 3mm inner edge 0.5mm The character is Kai Shu Xuan Du (read
clockwise) back plain
13. Huang Song Tong Bao
Huang Song Tong Bao was made during Bao Yuan to late time of
Huang You period 1039-1053 Materials include bronze and iron.Two types of
characters( kai shu zhuan shu)coins are Dui Qian, including
and Zhe Er Qian coins that pit one against two There is a kind of
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Dr.Chandima Bogahawatta(PhD)
Senior Lecturer In Archaeology
University of Kelaniya
Sri Lnaka
16
Jiu Die Zhuan Wen(a kind of character which is in a fancy style) coin very precious.
a Seal written in Jiu Die Zhuan Wen
11/YA/028(A) 11/YA/029(A) JFU/01(A) 11/YA/030(A)
11/YA/028(B) 11/YA/029(B) JFU/01(B) 11/YA/030(B)
Sample 11/YA/028 weight 3.38g thickness 1mm diameter 24mm hole7 mm
out edge 3.5mm inner edge 1mm The character is Kai Shu Dui Du (read
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Dr.Chandima Bogahawatta(PhD)
Senior Lecturer In Archaeology
University of Kelaniya
Sri Lnaka
17
across) back plain
Sample 11/YA/029 weight 4g thickness 1mm diameter 24mm hole7.5 mm
out edge 3mm inner edge1mm The character is Li Shu Dui Du (read
across) back plain Hua Chuan(the hole was obviously casted wrong, like a
flower)
Sample JFU/01 weight 3.6g thickness 1mm diameter 27mm hole 7.5 mm
out edge 3mm inner edge 0.5mm, back no edge The character is Zhuan Shu
Dui Du (read across) back plain
Sample 11/YA/030 weight 3.4g thickness 1mm diameter 25mm hole 7.5 mm
out edge 3mm inner edge 1mm The character is Zhuan Shu Dui Du (read
across) back plain.
14. Qing Li Zhong Bao
Qing Li Zhong Bao was made during Qing Li period 1041-1048 Materials
include bronze and iron. Bronze ones are Dang shi qian( which pit one
against ten) ingcluding and There is also iron .also bronze and iron
11/YA/031(A) 11/YA/031(B) 11/YA/032(A) 11/YA/032(B)
Sample 11/YA/031 weight6.6g thickness 1.5mm diameter 29mm hole 7 mm
out edge front 2mm inner edge front 0.8mm, out edge back 4mm, inner edge back
1.5mm The character is Kai Shu Xuan Du (read clockwise) back plain
Sample 11/YA/032 weight6.9g thickness 1.5mm diameter 31mm hole8 mm
out edge 4mm inner edge 0.8mm The character is Kai Shu Dui Du (read
across) back plain
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Dr.Chandima Bogahawatta(PhD)
Senior Lecturer In Archaeology
University of Kelaniya
Sri Lnaka
18
15. Zhi He Yuan Bao
Zhi He Yuan Bao was made during Zhi He period 1054-1055 until now only
found bronze Three type of characters( zhuan li kai) coins are
11/YA/033(A) 11/YA/033(B) 11/YA/034(A) 11/YA/034(B)
Sample 11/YA/033 weight3.7g thickness 1mm diameter 23mm hole 7 mm
out edge front 2mm inner edge front 0.5mm, out edge back 4mm, inner edge back
1mm The character is Kai Shu Xuan Du (read clockwise) back plain
Sample 11/YA/034 weight 3.7g thickness 1mm diameter 23mm hole 6.5 mm
out edge front 2mm inner edge front 0.5mm,out edge back 4mm, back no inner edge
The character is Zhuan Shu Xuan Du (read clockwise) back plain
16 Jia You Tong Bao
Jia You Tong Bao was made during Jia You period 1056-1063 bronze
Two type of characters( zhuan kai) coins are
11/YA/035(A) 11/YA/036(A) 11/YA/037(A)
11/YA/035(B) 11/YA/036(B) 11/YA/037(B)
Sample 11/YA/035 weight 3.22g thickness 1mm diameter 23.5mm hole 7
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Dr.Chandima Bogahawatta(PhD)
Senior Lecturer In Archaeology
University of Kelaniya
Sri Lnaka
19
mm out edge front 2.5mm inner edge front 0.5mm, out edge back 4mm, inner edge
back 1mm The character is Zhuan Shu Dui Du (read across) back plain.
Sample 11/YA/036 weight 3.5g thickness 1mm diameter 25mm hole 8 mm
out edge2.5mm inner edge front 0.5mm, back no inner edge The character is Zhuan
Shu Dui Du (read across) back plain.
Sample 11/YA/037 weight 3.75g thickness 1mm diameter 25mm hole 7mm
out edge front 3mm inner edge front 0.5mm The character is Zhuan Shu
Dui Du (read across) back Yi Fan(the edge is not well-shaped, also called
Cuo Fan).
17. Jia You Yuan Bao
Jia You Yuan Bao was made during Jia You period 1056-1063 bronze
Two type of characters( zhuan kai) coins are
11/YA/038(A) 11/YA/038(B) 11/YA/039(A) 11/YA/039(B)
Sample 11/YA/038 weight 3.6g thickness 1mm diameter 23mm hole 7 mm
out edge front 2mm inner edge front 0.5mm,out edge back 4mm, inner edge back
1mm The character is Zhuan Shu Xuan Du (read clockwise) back plain
Sample 11/YA/039 weight3.8g thickness 1mm diameter 25mm hole 8.5 mm
out edge front 2mm inner edge front 0.5mm, out edge back 3mm, inner edge back
1mm The character is Kai Shu Xuan Du (read clockwise) back plain
18. Zhi Ping Yuan Bao
Zhi Ping Yuan Bao was made during Zhi Ping period 1064-1067 bronze and
iron Two type of characters( zhuan kai) coins are
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Dr.Chandima Bogahawatta(PhD)
Senior Lecturer In Archaeology
University of Kelaniya
Sri Lnaka
20
11/YA/040(A) 11/YA/040(B) 11/YA/041(A) 11/YA/041(B)
Sample 11/YA/040 weight3.75g thickness 1mm diameter 24mm hole 7 mm
out edge front 2.5mm inner edge front 0.5mm, out edge back3 mm, inner edge back
1mm The character is Kai Shu Xuan Du (read clockwise) back plain
There is a hole on the upside of
Sample 11/YA/041 weight 4.6g thickness 1mm diameter 24mm hole 7 mm
out edge front 2.5mm inner edge front 0.5mm,out edge back 3mm, inner edge back
1mm The character is Zhuan Shu Xuan Du (read clockwise) there is a new
moon formed mark up the hole backside.
19. Xi Ning Yuan Bao
Xi Ning Yuan Bao was made during Xi Ning period(1068-1077 bronze
Three type of characters( zhuan li kai) coins in which coins
are Many versions. coins are much less.
11/YA/042(A) 11/YA/042(B) 11/YA/043(A) 11/YA/043(B)
Sample 11/YA/042 weight3.5g thickness 1mm diameter 24mm hole8 mm
out edge 2mm inner edge 0.5mm The character is Kai Shu Xuan Du (read
clockwise) back plain
Sample 11/YA/043 weight 4.2g thickness 1mm diameter 24mm hole 7 mm
out edge 2.5mm inner edge 0.5mm The character is Zhuan Shu Xuan Du
(read clockwise) back Yi Fan(the edge is not well-shaped, also called
Cuo Fan).
20. Xi Ning Zhong Bao
-
Dr.Chandima Bogahawatta(PhD)
Senior Lecturer In Archaeology
University of Kelaniya
Sri Lnaka
21
Xi Ning Zhong Bao was made during Xi Ning period 1068-1077 all are big
coins including Three type of characters( zhuan li
kai)
11/YA/044(A) 11/YA/045(A) 11/YA/046(A)
11/YA/044(B) 11/YA/045(B) 11/YA/046(B)
Sample 11/YA/044 weight7.34g thickness 1mm diameter 28mm hole7 mm
out edge 4mm inner edge1mm The character is Kai Shu Xuan Du (read
clockwise) back plain
Sample 11/YA/045 weight 8g thickness 1mm diameter 31mm hole8.5 mm
out edge 3.5mm inner edge 1mm The character is Kai Shu Xuan Du (read
clockwise) back Yi Fan(the edge is not well-shaped, also called Cuo
Fan).
Sample 11/YA/046 weight 7.8g thickness 1mm diameter 30mm hole 7.5 mm
out edge 3.5mm inner edge 1mm The character is Zhuan Shu Xuan Du
(read clockwise) back Yi Fan(the edge is not well-shaped, also called Cuo
Fan).
21. Yuan Feng Tong Bao
Yuan Feng Tong Bao was made during Yuan Feng period 1078-1085 Materials
include bronze and iron. Great amount, complicated versions. Three type of
-
Dr.Chandima Bogahawatta(PhD)
Senior Lecturer In Archaeology
University of Kelaniya
Sri Lnaka
22
characters( zhuan li xing) which are Two type of
characters( zhuan xing) which are There are iron
and The calligraphy of Yuan Feng Tong Bao is quite good especially the Li
Shu Coins which was said that a very famous calligrapher and poet Su Dongpo wrote
it, therefore the Li Shu Yuan Feng Tong Bao was called Do Pong Yuan
Feng.
11/YA/047(A) 11/YA/048(A) 11/YA/049(A)
11/YA/047(B) 11/YA/048(B) 11/YA/049(B)
Sample 11/YA/047 weight 4.72g thickness 1mm diameter 25mm hole 7 mm
out edge front 2.8mm inner edge front 0.8mm,out edge back 3mm, inner edge back
1mm The character is Zhuan Shu Xuan Du (read clockwise), back plain
Sample 11/YA/048 weight 4.3g thickness 1mm diameter 23.5mm hole 7 mm
out edge front 2.8mm inner edge front 0.8mm,out edge back 3mm, inner edge back
1mm The character is Xing Shu Xuan Du (read clockwise), back plain
Sample 11/YA/049 weight 7.70g thickness 1.5mm diameter 28mm hole 7
mm out edge 3.5mm inner edge 1mm The character is Xing Shu Xuan Du
(read clockwise), back plain
22. Yuan You Tong Bao
Yuan You Tong Bao was made during Yuan You period(1086-1093 Materials
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Dr.Chandima Bogahawatta(PhD)
Senior Lecturer In Archaeology
University of Kelaniya
Sri Lnaka
23
include bronze and iron. There are Two type of
characters( zhuan xing) coins which are The characters are said to be
written by Si Maguang and Su Dongpo. All are iron.
11/YA/050(A) 11/YA/051(A) 11/YA/052(A) 11/YA/053(A)
11/YA/050(B) 11/YA/051(B) 11/YA/052(B) 11/YA/053(B)
Sample 11/YA/050 weight 4.3g thickness 1mm diameter 24mm hole 6 mm
out edge 3.5mm inner edge 0.8mm The character is Zhuan Shu Xuan Du
(read clockwise), back plain
Sample 11/YA/051 weight 3.9g thickness 1mm diameter 25mm hole 6 mm
out edge 3.5mm inner edge0.8mm The character is Xing Shu Xuan Du
(read clockwise), back plain
Sample 11/YA/052 weight 8.30g thickness 2mm diameter 30mm hole 9 mm
out edge front 3mm inner edge front 1mm,out edge back 3.5mm, inner edge back
2mm The character is Zhuan Shu Xuan Du (read clockwise), back plain
Sample 11/YA/053 weight 8.15g thickness 2mm diameter 30mm hole 8 mm
out edge front 3mm inner edge front 1mm, out edge back 3.5mm, inner edge back
2mm The character is Xing Shu Xuan Du (read clockwise), back plain
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Dr.Chandima Bogahawatta(PhD)
Senior Lecturer In Archaeology
University of Kelaniya
Sri Lnaka
24
23. Shao Sheng Yuan Bao
Shao Sheng Yuan Bao was made during Shao Sheng period 1094-1097 ,There
are iron and bronze Three type of characters(
zhuan li xing) coins which are A lot of have big holes. And
the proportion of coins with dot or new moon shaped mark is higher than before and
after.
11/YA/054(A) 11/YA/055(A) 11/YA/056(A) 11/YA/057(A)
11/YA/054(B) 11/YA/055(B) 11/YA/056(B) 11/YA/057(B)
Sample 11/YA/054 weight 8.6g thickness 1.5mm diameter 30mm hole 7 mm
out edge 3.5mm inner edge front 1.5mm, inner edge back 2mm The character is
Zhuan Shu Xuan Du (read clockwise), back plain
Sample 11/YA/055 weight 6.75g thickness 1.5mm diameter 30mm hole 7
mm out edge 3.5mm inner edge front 1.5mm, inner edge back 2mm The character
is Xing Shu Xuan Du (read clockwise), back plain
Sample 11/YA/056 weight4.4g thickness1mm diameter 23mm hole 6 mm
out edge front2mm inner edge front 0.5mm,out edge back 3mm, inner edge back
1mm The character is Zhuan Shu Xuan Du (read clockwise), back plain
Sample 11/YA/057 weight 4.0g thickness 1mm diameter23mm hole 6 mm
out edge 2mm inner edge 0.5mm The character is Xing Shu Xuan Du
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Dr.Chandima Bogahawatta(PhD)
Senior Lecturer In Archaeology
University of Kelaniya
Sri Lnaka
25
(read clockwise), back Yi Fan(the edge is not well-shaped, also called Cuo
Fan).
24. Yuan Fu Tong Bao
Yuan Fu Tong Bao was made during Yuan Fu period 1098-1100 There are iron
and bronze Four type of characters( zhuan li
xing kai) coins which are
11/YA/058(A) 11/YA/059(A) 11/YA/060(A) 11/YA/061(A)
11/YA/058(B) 11/YA/059(B) 11/YA/060(B) 11/YA/061(B)
Sample 11/YA/058 weight3.54g thickness1mm diameter 24mm hole 6 mm
out edge 3mm inner edge 0.5mm The character is Zhuan Shu Xuan Du
(read clockwise), back plain
Sample 11/YA/059 weight 3.52g thickness 1mm diameter 23.5mm hole
6.5mm out edge front 3mm inner edge front 0.5mm, out edge back 4mm, inner edge
back 1.5mm The character is Xing Shu Xuan Du (read clockwise), back
plain
Sample 11/YA/060 weight8.6g thickness2mm diameter 30mm hole 6.5 mm
out edge 4mm inner edge 1.5mm The character is Zhuan Shu Xuan Du
(read clockwise), back plain
Sample 11/YA/061 weight 8.56g thickness 2mm diameter 31mm hole 7 mm
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Dr.Chandima Bogahawatta(PhD)
Senior Lecturer In Archaeology
University of Kelaniya
Sri Lnaka
26
out edge 4mm inner edge 1.5mm The character is Xing Shu Xuan Du
(read clockwise), back plain
25. Sheng Song Yuan Bao
When Sheng Song Yuan Bao was made was not recorded, the numismatists
thought it was made in Jian Zhong Jing Guo period(1101) according to its style and
characters. There are iron and bronze Coins written in
zhuan shu xing shu are . There are also coins written in Li shu
kai shu. Very complicated versions.
11/YA/062(A) 11/YA/063(A) 11/YA/064(A) 11/YA/065(A)
11/YA/062(B) 11/YA/063(B) 11/YA/064(B) 11/YA/065(B)
Sample 11/YA/062 weight 7.38g thickness 1.5mm diameter 29mm hole 7mm
out edge3.5mm inner edge 1mm The character is Xing Shu Xuan Du
(read clockwise), back plain There is a hole up
Sample 11/YA/063 weight7.47g thickness 1.5mm diameter 29mm hole 8 mm
out edge 3.5mm inner edge 1mm The character is Zhuan Shu Xuan Du
(read clockwise), back plain
Sample 11/YA/064 weight 3.5g thickness 1mm diameter 25mm hole 7mm
out edge 2mm inner edge front 1mm, inner edge back 1.5mm The character is Xing
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Dr.Chandima Bogahawatta(PhD)
Senior Lecturer In Archaeology
University of Kelaniya
Sri Lnaka
27
Shu Xuan Du (read clockwise), back plain
Sample 11/YA/065 weight4.1g thickness1mm diameter 25mm hole7 mm
out edge 3mm inner edge 1mm The character is Zhuan Shu Xuan Du
(read clockwise), back plain
26. Chong Ning Zhong Bao
Chong Ning Zhong Bao was made during Chong Ning period 1102-1106 only
bronze and iron written in li shu The calligraph is very good , which
was said to be written by a famous minister Cai Jing. The coins with light body and
bad calligraphy are illegal copies.
11/YA/066(A) 11/YA/067(A)
11/YA/066(B) 11/YA/067(B)
Sample 11/YA/066 weight 10.25g,thickness 3mm diameter35mm hole9 mm
out edge 2mm inner edge 1mm The character is Kai Shu Dui Du (read
across) back plain
Sample 11/YA/067 weight 9.55g,thickness 3mm diameter32mm hole8.5 mm
out edge 3mm inner edge 1mm The character is Kai Shu Dui Du (read
across) back plain
27. Chong Ning Tong Bao
-
Dr.Chandima Bogahawatta(PhD)
Senior Lecturer In Archaeology
University of Kelaniya
Sri Lnaka
28
Chong Ning Tong Bao was made during Chong Ning period 1102-1106 which
was written by the emperor Song Hui Zong .The calligraphy is good and so
called Shou Jin Ti or Tie Xian Shu Complicated versions. There
are bronze and iron After, the big coins
devalued and were changed to be which were still used in the early time of
Southern Song dynasty.
11/YA/068(A) 11/YA/068(B)
Sample 11/YA/068 weight 9.90g,thickness2.5mm diameter34mm hole9 mm
out edge 1.5mm inner edge 1mm The character is Kai Shu Xuan Du (read
clockwise) back plain
28. Da Guan Tong Bao
Da Guan Tong Bao was made during Da Guan period 1107-1110 which was
also written by Song Hui Zong.There are bronze and iron
Complicated versions. There are also iron written in
xing shu.
11/YA/069(A) 11/YA/069(B)
Sample 11/YA/069 weight 3.70g,thickness 1mm diameter24mm hole7 mm
out edge 1.5mm inner edge0.5mm The character is Kai Shu Dui Du (read
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Dr.Chandima Bogahawatta(PhD)
Senior Lecturer In Archaeology
University of Kelaniya
Sri Lnaka
29
across) back plain
29. Zheng He Tong Bao
Zheng He Tong Bao was made during Zhen He period 1111-1117 there are
bronze and iron complicated versions Two types of
characters( zhuan li).The includes sth like kai shu so sometimes
also called The differences are in the character and .
11/YA/070(A) 11/YA/071(A) 11/YA/072(A)
11/YA/070(B) 11/YA/071(B) 11/YA/072(B)
Sample 11/YA/070 weight3.65g thickness 1mm diameter 25mm hole 6.5 mm
out edge 3.5mm inner edge 1mm The character is Zhuan Shu Du Du (read
across), back plain
Sample 11/YA/071 weight8.2g,thickness 2mm diameter30mm hole7 mm
out edge 3mm inner edge front 0.5mm, inner edge back 1.5mm The character is Kai
Shu Dui Du (read across) back plain
Sample 11/YA/072 weight 7.66g,thickness 2mm diameter30mm hole7 mm
out edge4mm inner edge 1mm The character is Zhuan Shu Dui Du (read
across) back plain
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Dr.Chandima Bogahawatta(PhD)
Senior Lecturer In Archaeology
University of Kelaniya
Sri Lnaka
30
30. Xuan He Tong Bao
Xuan He Tong Bao was made during Xuan He period 1119-1125 there are
bronze and iron Two type of characters( zhuan
li) most are There are a lot of differences in the characters. Good technology,
complicated versions.
11/YA/073(A) 11/YA/074(A) 11/YA/075(A) 11/YA/076(A)
11/YA/073(B) 11/YA/074(B) 11/YA/075(B) 11/YA/076(B)
Sampele 11/YA/073 weight 7.8g thickness2mm diameter 28mm hole 7 mm
out edge 3mm inner edge 1mm The character is Zhuan Shu Du Du (read
across), back plain
Sample 11/YA/074 weight7.90g thickness 1.5mm diameter 31mm hole 8 mm
out edge 3mm inner edge 1mm The character is Zhuan Shu Du Du (read
across), back Yi Fan(the edge is not well-shaped, also called Cuo Fan).
Sample 11/YA/075 weight6.77g,thickness 1.5mm diameter28mm hole7 mm
out edge 3mm inner edge 1mm The character is Kai Shu Dui Du (read
across) back plain
Sample 11/YA/076 weight9.10g,thickness 3mm diameter33mm hole8 mm
out edge 4mm inner edge 1mm The character is Kai Shu Dui Du (read
across) back plain
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Dr.Chandima Bogahawatta(PhD)
Senior Lecturer In Archaeology
University of Kelaniya
Sri Lnaka
31
Southern Song Dynasty coins
1. Jian Yan Tong Bao
Jian Yan Tong Bao was made during Jian Yan period 1127-1130 there are
bronze and iron Two type of characters( zhuan
li)coins are Complicated versions.
11/YA/077(A) 11/YA/078(A) 11/YA/079(A) 11/YA/080(A)
11/YA/077(B) 11/YA/078(B) 11/YA/079(B) 11/YA/080(B)
Sample 11/YA/077 weight6.40g,thickness 1.5mm diameter31mm hole7.5 mm
out edge 4mm inner edge 1mm The character is Kai Shu Dui Du (read
across) back plain
Sample 11/YA/078 weight6.1g,thickness 1mm diameter29mm hole7.5 mm
out edge 2.5mm inner edge 1mm The character is Kai Shu Dui Du (read
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Dr.Chandima Bogahawatta(PhD)
Senior Lecturer In Archaeology
University of Kelaniya
Sri Lnaka
32
across) back plain
Sample 11/YA/079 weight3.6g,thickness 0.9mm diameter27.5mm hole7 mm
out edge 3mm inner edge 1mm The character is Kai Shu Dui Du (read
across) back plain
Sample 11/YA/080 weight 4.25g thickness1mm diameter 28mm hole 7 mm
out edge front 2mm inner edge front 1mm, out edge back 2.5mm, inner edge back
1.5mm The character is Zhuan Shu Du Du (read across), back plain
2. Shao Xing Yuan Bao
Shao Xing Yuan Bao was made during Shao Sheng period 1131-1162 only
bronze Two type of characters( zhuan kai)coins are
are rare There is a kind of personal casted Shao Xing Yuan Bao
written in Kai shu which was always thought to be but it is thicker and the
hole is wider, so it is easy to make a distinction.
11/YA/081(A) 11/YA/082(A)
11/YA/081(B) 11/YA/082(B)
Sample 11/YA/081 weight7.60g thickness2.9mm diameter 29mm hole7.5
mm out edge 2mm inner edge 0.5mm The character is Zhuan Shu Xuan Du
(read clockwise), back plain
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Dr.Chandima Bogahawatta(PhD)
Senior Lecturer In Archaeology
University of Kelaniya
Sri Lnaka
33
Sample 11/YA/082 weight7.45g thickness2.5mm diameter 29mm hole9 mm
out edge 2mm inner edge 0.5mm The character is Kai Shu Xuan Du (read
clockwise) There are a new moon shaped mark up the hole and a dot shaped mark
down the hole on the backside.
3. Shao Xing Tong Bao
Shao Xing Tong Bao was made during Shao Sheng period 1131-1162 there are
bronze and iron ,all written in Kai shu Also rare
the characters are very similar to Shou Jin Ti maybe not circulate
officially.
11/YA/083(A) 11/YA/083(B)
Sample 11/YA/083 weight8.4g,thickness 2mm diameter31mm hole9 mm
out edge 2mm inner edge 1mm The character is Kai Shu Dui Du (read
across) back plain
4. Long Xing Yuan Bao
Long Xing Yuan Bao was made during Long Xing period 1163-1164 there is
no bronze only Two type of characters( zhuan kai)coins are
There are iron xuan du dui du also
two type of characters( zhuan kai).
11/YA/084(A) 11/YA/085(A)
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Dr.Chandima Bogahawatta(PhD)
Senior Lecturer In Archaeology
University of Kelaniya
Sri Lnaka
34
11/YA/084(B) 11/YA/085(B)
Sample 11/YA/084 weight5.80g thickness1.5mm diameter 30mm hole8 mm
out edge front 2.5mm inner edge front 1mm, out edge back 3mm, inner edge back
1.5mm The character is Kai Shu Xuan Du (read clockwise), back plain
Sample 11/YA/085 weight6.80g thickness1.5mm diameter 30mm hole8 mm
out edge front 2.5mm inner edge front 1mm, out edge back 3mm, inner edge back
1.5mm The character is Zhuan Shu Xuan Du (read clockwise), back plain
5. Qian Dao Yuan Bao
Qian Dao Yuan Bao was made during Qian Dao period 1165-1173 there are
bronze and iron two type of characters( zhuan kai),
bronze ones are a little of iron coins are complicated versions.
11/YA/086(A) 11/YA/086(B) 11/YA/087(A) 11/YA/087(B)
Sample 11/YA/086 weight5.60g thickness2mm diameter 28mm hole8 mm
out edge 3.5mm inner edge front 1mm, inner edge back 1.5mm The character is
Zhuan Shu Xuan Du (read clockwise), There are a new moon shaped mark
up the hole and a dot shaped mark down the hole on the backside.
Sample 11/s/087 weight4.80g thickness1.5mm diameter 27mm hole7 mm