China, Song Dynasty, Emperor Renzong (1010-1063 CE), Tien Sheng Yuan Bao (1023-1031 CE)

The Song Dynasty was a period of great stability and economic growth for China. Many technological advances of global significance were introduced by the Song, including gunpowder, paper banknotes as a national currency and a compass with a true north. Cash coins, designed to be strung into large bunches on strings, with their almost unchanged 2000-year-old basic design, are emblematic of the idea of continuity in Chinese history.

Ancient & Historical, Loose Ancient

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