An unusual find, these Chinese shipwreck coins from the Southern Song Dynasty are among the oldest forms of currency in the world.
The Southern Song Dynasty moved to Lin'an (present day Hangzhou) in 1127–1279. Shipwreck coinage from this period occurred as trade flourished during this time, and appear in variants written in either standard (top-bottom-right-left) or clockwise (top-right-bottom-left).
These particular group of coins appear as they were found, suspended in limestone and sediment that accreted over nearly a thousand years. These would be 1-2 cash coins as Song units of currency are commonly called.
There are approximately 6-8 coins in this stack as can be seen through cracks in the limestone and the sedimentary ridges developed around each coin. They naturally are well-worn over centuries, nearly a millennia underwater but they are still clearly discernible as coinage.
Price marked at AUD$650. Measurements: 3.3cm high, 3cm approx base dia. 65 grams. Condition as described above and in pictures.
