Warring States Period Chinese Round Coin With Round Hole, C. 300–250 Bce

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An early bronze coin from China’s Warring States era, cast centuries before the country’s unification under Qin. Measuring approximately 1.5 … Read more An early bronze coin from China’s Warring States era, cast centuries before the country’s unification under Qin. Measuring approximately 1.5 inches in diameter, this piece features the distinctive round central perforation of coins minted in the State of Liang. Its surface bears a beautifully mottled blue-green patina, the result of over two millennia of burial. Once a practical unit of commerce, now a tangible link to ancient trade, governance, and craftsmanship—ready to bring an authentic historical accent to your collection or decor.

Collector’s Note:
Round coins with round holes (huán qián) were issued by several states during the Warring States period (475–221 BCE), including Liang, Zhao, and Yan. Liang’s mints, active along key Yellow River trade routes, produced coins inscribed with their city or region name, often paired with a weight standard. The hole at the center served dual purposes: allowing coins to be strung together for transport and facilitating trimming during minting. This type was eventually replaced by the Qin dynasty’s Ban Liang coin, which introduced the now-familiar square hole. Surviving examples with intact patina offer not only aesthetic appeal but also a rare glimpse into the economic life of pre-imperial China. See less