Authentic rare dark jade cowrie-shell proto-coin, 1000-500 BC, NE China

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Primitive earliest Chinese coinage - cowrie shell imitation made out of carved and filed jade with two holes for stringing. 28mm long, 3.64 grams. Cf. Hartill 1.1-1.2. SKU x3517-wv2384

These dark jade stone cowries are probably the earliest of all carved cowries. It is likely that they were produced in the 2nd millenium BC and early 1st millenium BC. These are popular early artifacts and some of the earliest proto-coins on earth. 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 carved stone (like this piece) were used as money. This type, made of carved jade, is found in north-eastern China. Rare local cowrie issue.

This coin is unconditionally guaranteed to be authentic.


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