Great Wall of China Series

Author: Ma Feihai, Editor-in-Chief
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2002-12-01
Features:
1. This volume includes illustrations of coin molds, covering currencies minted and issued during the Qin, Han, Three Kingdoms, Western and Eastern Jin, and Northern and Southern Dynasties periods, totaling 5,062 pieces.
2. The "General Introduction" reflects the development of currency during this historical period and provides a comprehensive discussion based on research findings from scholars both at home and abroad.
3. The "Special Studies" offer in-depth, systematic introductions and analyses of important topics during this period, adhering to the principle of "freedom of thought," where scholars express their diverse views. The special studies are arranged by content.
4. The coin illustrations are arranged in chronological order according to the historical sequence of each dynasty. Coins frequently cited and studied in tombs, caches, and other archaeological findings are included in the Selected Important Excavated Coin Materials.
5. Coins from various dynasties that were widely circulated but whose specific dynasty is not clearly identified are listed in the Common Coins of the Eastern Han, Three Kingdoms, Western and Eastern Jin, Northern and Southern Dynasties. Coins that cannot be definitively attributed to any specific mint, location, or time are included in the Coins Under Examination.
6. For some dynasties, although there are documented records of their currencies, the illustrations remain undetermined, and the text notes "illustration to be determined."
7. In the Illustrated Catalog, each coin or coin mold is generally presented at actual size, with dimensions, weight, and collector or provider information provided. However, due to incomplete data, some dimensions and weights are temporarily omitted. Additionally, copper coins are no longer specified by material, while gold, silver, iron, and lead coins are individually noted for their material.
8. The color illustrations span 20 pages, and those with numbered references are included in the Illustrated Catalog with corresponding codes.
9. The Index is limited to the coin terms covered in this volume and uses a stroke-order lookup method.
10. The book uses both the Gregorian calendar and the Chinese historical calendar for dating. The Gregorian calendar is represented by Arabic numerals, while the Chinese historical calendar is written in Chinese numerals. For example, the second year of Emperor Guangwu of the Han Dynasty is recorded as 26 AD.
11. The grading of coins is based on their historical significance, academic value, rarity, date of first minting, traditional and contemporary social evaluation, and is divided into five levels: four-star (highest), three-star, two-star, one-star, and no-star (lowest). This classification is provided for reference purposes.