Ancient Chinese Gold covered Bronze Cowrie

November 2024

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This is a recently acquired and second example of a gold leaf covered bronze cowry shell of ancient China.
These are not completely understood as to their place in monetary history. Most likely they were used after real cowries had been replaced by imitations of made of many materials. They are most often found in graves which conveys the respect, associated with value, shown to the deceased. Actually, these very early objects of value' are the first bimetallic and clad 'coins' in history. The gold foil style of coating ended use in China ca. 600 B.C. Lacquer was used to apply the gold. Mercury fire gilding was used after this time.
This is how Bob Reis (anythinganywhere.com) describes gold wrapped cowries:
Shanxi, ZHOU Dynasty, 1122-255 BC, State of Jin, c. 600-500 BC, imitation cowrie, gold wrapped bronze, 23x28mm, 4.32g, H1.3 dirty, crusty, F $250.00

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 ]