Primitive earliest Chinese coinage - cowrie shell imitation made out of carved and filed sea-shell with one hole for stringing. 31mm long, 6.16 grams. Hartill type #1.2var.

Cowries were used as primitive money in China since the 2nd millenium BC. Later on, bronze cowrie-shaped coins and cowrie-shaped coins made out of sea-shells (like this piece) were used as money. Rare local cowrie issue, a very early primitive type.

This coin is unconditionally guaranteed to be authentic.