Coins of Asia Collection: China, Japan, Korea, & Vietnam - c. 1600 to 1800 CE - Early Modern Asia

This collection features four historic copper cash coins from different Asian cultures: China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam.

Cash coins first appeared after the unification of China around 221 BCE. They were standardized with a circular shape and made from copper or bronze, featuring a square or circular hole in the center. This hole made them easy to string the coins together, typically in groups of a thousand, which facilitated trading large numbers of copper coinage instead of silver or gold.

Over time, cash coins became the primary currency in China and eventually spread to neighboring countries. While the shape remained consistent, there were variations in size and inscription depending on the ruling dynasty and the region where they were used. These coins played a vital role in the economy and trade across Asia for centuries, until they were gradually phased out in the early 20th century.

Each collection includes copper coins from the following cultures and historical periods. All of the coins have Chinese inscriptions, as this was the standard across Asia at the time:

• China, Qing Dynasty, 18th to early 19th century
• Japan, Edo Period, Kan'ei Tsuho 1 mon coin, mid-17th to mid-19th century
• Korea, Great Joseon State, 1 mun coin, 18th to mid-19th century
• Vietnam, Lê Dynasty, 17th to 18th century

Each collection comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.