Chinese Cowries - open back

November 2024

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These are perhaps the most commonly found type of cowery money. The backs have been ground or filed open to facilitate stringing and to allow more on the string.
Be sure to check out the complete type collection of these. Of particular interest is a detailed stone carved example that does an amazing job of imitating these open-backed cowries. The larger one is 25 x 19 x 10 mm.

Moneta Library has articles on Cowries to VIEW and DOWNLOAD:
The Worlds's First Money, Chinese Cowries and Their Imitations - by Ted Puls: [ link ]
Cowries - Bob Reis: [ link ]
Origin of Cowries in Ancient China - UofPa: [ link ]
Metallic Cowries - Royal Asiatic Society: [ link ]
Nice Video on Cowrie history: [ link ]
An excellent article in ANA's "Numismatist" magazine, Oct 2017 > [ link ]
SEE how far back in time decorative sea shells were important to prehistoric man at his : [ link ]
Interested in Primitive Money? Then check out this YouTube video created by Kagins Auctions featuring Bob Leonard and Charles Opitz upon the massive sale in March 2021. Click this: [ link ]