Help with an Unknown Coin (Chinese Warring states) [solved]

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Hello all, 

 

I have a coin that I have also been getting stumped on that I just rediscovered from a box from I think a year back. 

 

It is believed to be a Chinese Warring states that is a fish but i can't see anything on here for Numista. 

 

 

Hope to hear what this is!

cc15

Hello all, 

 

I have a coin that I have also been getting stumped on that I just rediscovered from a box from I think a year back. 

 

It is believed to be a Chinese Warring states that is a fish but i can't see anything on here for Numista. 

 

 

Hope to hear what this is!

Oh apologies, measurements are provided here.

 

  • 106 mm in length
  • 2mm in thickness
  • Bronze composition

These are often known as “Zhou fish proto money”. They are generally thought to predate the Warring States period, and are not truly money. While many claim these to be forms of “proto-money” or local money, there is no substantial evidence for this. It is far more likely that they were used as grave goods, possibly coffin ornaments.

 

Very cool pieces with very cool history, but almost certainly not a form of currency

Status changed to Solved (cc15, 16 Aug 2025, 20:09)

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