Antique Northern Song Dynasty Cash Coin Pendant, Zhezong Reign Period, Sterling Silver with Lapis

Cache Antiques is proud to offer the next in our newest range of antique jewellery, featuring rare Chinese trade coins from the Northern Song period. 

The cash or qian (錢) was a Chinese coin characterised by its round outer shape and square centre hole. Used from the Warring States Period (4th century BC) to 20th century AD, these coins were used through the history of Imperial China up until the Xinhai Revolution in 1911.

Due to their widespread use throughout Asia for trade, they are nowadays seen as a symbol in the region for good luck and as a talisman against evil.

Each sterling silver frame is made to measure for each coin by our team of artisans in Asia. This level of custom fitting means that the pieces preserve their historical integrity while showcasing their stunning patina.

Inscription: Shao Sheng Yuan Bao, which means “Always become a wise person”.

Circa Northern Song Dynasty, reign of Emperor Zhezong. This coin was in production from 1094-1098, and it is believed that Su Shi, the great poet, may have been the designer of this coin before his exile later in  1094. 

Coin is set in a sterling silver frame, marked 925 on the bail.  The stone is an oval lapis cabochon with beautiful pyrite flecks that catch the light.

Price marked at $360 AUD.

Measurements: Total coin (incl frame) diameter approx 2.5cm. Pendant length approx 3.7 cm. Total length including bail is 4.7 cm.

Due to antique nature of coin and hand-crafted characteristics of this piece, please refer to pictures for condition. We have two of these designs, so the coin received may differ slightly from picture.