Coin-Like Charm

About this object

History of use

Design similar to a coin, but not for circulation; not from the period it purports to be from. (Larson, David) This specimen is an imitation of a typical Early Han coin of the 2nd century B.C. It was produced in the Ming-Qing period, judging by the alloy and the patina. The charm was used in Daoist rituals and for other purposes that required the use of an ancient coin. They may be passed on as forgeries to novice coin collectors. Han charm coins were very rare. (Li, Min)

Physical description

Round, square centre hole, no rims, two Chinese characters and design on obverse; crescent top, dot bottom (moon-sun) on obverse; reverse smooth.