History Ancient China Questions Medium
The main forms of currency in ancient China were cowrie shells, bronze objects, and later on, coins made of various metals such as bronze, iron, and gold. Cowrie shells were used as a medium of exchange during the Shang Dynasty (c. 1600-1046 BCE) and were highly valued due to their scarcity. Bronze objects, such as tools and weapons, were also used as a form of currency during this time.
During the Zhou Dynasty (1046-256 BCE), the use of cowrie shells declined, and the production of coins began. The first standardized coins, known as "ban liang," were made of bronze and had a square hole in the center. These coins were used for over 2,000 years and were widely accepted throughout ancient China.
In later periods, different dynasties introduced their own coinage systems, with variations in size, shape, and material. For example, during the Han Dynasty (206 BCE-220 CE), round coins with a square hole in the center became the standard currency. The Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE) introduced the use of iron coins, while the Song Dynasty (960-1279 CE) introduced paper money, known as "jiaozi," as a form of currency.
Overall, the main forms of currency in ancient China evolved from cowrie shells and bronze objects to standardized coins made of various metals, reflecting the advancements and changes in the economic system throughout different dynasties.