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Ban Liang, Ancient Chinese Coin of Qin Dynasty

Susan-Wong | Jun 6, 2011 |

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History and Facts

The name Ban Liang means “half a liang”. One liang consisted of 24 zhu (or equivalent of about 15,6 grams), so the coins should ideally weigh about 8 grams. However, the inscription was kept even when the weight was later reduced. Ban Liangs are found in a variety of sizes and calligraphic styles but all with the same inscription. There are 8 and 4 zhu Ban Liang: the 4 zhu weighs around 2.6 grams and the 8 zhu around 5.3 grams. Then there is also wu fen (1/5) Ban Liang – 2 zhu and 4 lei.

These coins were traditionally associated with the first Chinese emperor, Qin Shi Huang Di, who united China in 221 BC. He was the one who standardized the empire’s monetary system and abolished the existing forms of money. He then made two sorts of currency: a “lower” form of currency (xia bi) made of bronze and a “higher” form of currency (shang bi) made of gold. The “lower” form of currency was established as a round coin made of bronze, having a rectangular hole in the middle. Although the emperor was not the one who created the design of the coins but he managed to make these coins widely used throughout China.

During the “Warring States” period, the ban liang coins had already been circulating in the State of Qin, before the unification of the country. The coins had a diameter of about 30 to 34 mm. One of the most remarkable findings was a number of bamboo tablets. With these tablets, the archaelogists were able to find regulations regarding cloth and metal money.

It is worth mentioning that these bamboo tablets were made before 242 BC. A thousand coins, bad and good mixed, were to be placed in pen (jars or baskets) and sealed with the Seal of the Director. Scientists found such jars, containing 1,000 ancient Chinese coins of different quality, size and weight. The discovery was made at Zhanpu in Shaanxi. Seven ban liang coins were also discovered in a tomb datable to 306 BC.

After the unification, the ban liang coins were produced with great variety in weight and size and are therefore very difficult for archaelogists to identify definitively as to date and place of casting. A very few extremely small ban liang coins were produced during the transition from the Qin to Han dynasties. The coins, however, gradually decreased in size and weight. In 119 BC, the ban liang coin was replaced and people started using the San Zhu and then Wu Zhu coin.

In feng shui, ancient Chinese coin with a round shape and a rectangular hole in the center (symbolizing heaven and earth) is regarded as lucky coin. Chinese gold ingot is also one of Chinese favorite item used for feng shui purposes.