China, Xin Dynasty, Emperor Wang Mang, Da Quan Wu Shi - 7 to 23 CE - Ancient China

These ancient Chinese "Da Quan Wu Shi" coins date back to the reign of Emperor Wang Mang (7–23 CE), whose most significant contribution to China’s monetary system was plunging it into chaos.

Wang Mang came to power by usurping Ruzi, the child emperor of the Han dynasty, for whom he was supposed to serve as regent until the emperor was old enough to rule. Wang Mang then declared himself the founder of the Xin dynasty and introduced sweeping reforms across the nation.

The Da Quan Wu Shi coins were part of Wang Mang’s initial currency reforms, with a face value equivalent to fifty of the Wu Zhu coins from the previous Han dynasty. However, Wang Mang aimed to phase out the Wu Zhu entirely, and between 9 and 10 CE, he introduced a complex and confusing currency system involving tortoise shells, cowrie shells, gold, silver, and a reintroduction of the old spade money.

This new system was highly unpopular with the Chinese population, who continued to use the old Han Wu Zhu coins despite Wang Mang threatening exile for doing so. Eventually, in 14 CE, he relented and reinstated a simpler copper currency system. Nevertheless, his unsuccessful reforms contributed to his downfall, and in 23 CE, Wang Mang was killed in a rebellion, ending the Xin dynasty after just 16 years.

Da Quan Wu Shi (大泉五十), which translates to "Large Coin Fifty," is inscribed on each of these coins in seal script. 

Each includes a Certificate of Authenticity and is guaranteed genuine.