Warring States, State of Yan, Ming Dao "Knife Money" - c. 400 to 220 BCE - Ancient China

• Origin: China, Warring States Period
• Date: c. 400 - 220 BCE
• Size: Approximately 5.3 inches long
• Notes: Ming Dao knife money (明刀) is a distinctive type of "commodity money" that circulated in ancient China. It originated during the late Zhou dynasty, inspired by actual utility knives that were widely used in trade and daily life. Over time, these practical tools evolved into symbolic currency, with their shapes stylized and standardized by various states, reflecting their regional autonomy and economic systems. During the Warring States period, the State of Yan minted knife money believed to be inscribed with the character "明," or "ming." However, as early Chinese characters were significantly different from modern ones, it is unknown if this is completely accurate. Due to a mint for knife money being unearthed at the site of Yi, the capital of the State of Yan, it has more recently been theorized that the character inscribed on these might be "yi" instead. Includes an archival plastic sleeve and a display stand (this item is too big for our standard display boxes).

All purchases include a Certificate of Authenticity. You will receive the exact item in the photos.