Dictionary of Chinese Numismatics (Volumes 1 and 2)

Author: Tang Shifu
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2000-08-18
Features: ★16-inch hardcover, traditional vertical Chinese characters, published by Beijing Publishing House ★Authored by Tang Shifu, a Chinese coin expert ★Includes 6,000 entries and over 4,000 line drawings of coin types, covering from the pre-Qin period to the early Republic of China ★Primarily focuses on Chinese coins, with supplementary coins from neighboring countries such as Korea, Japan, and Vietnam ★A reference book for coin collectors and researchers
Tang Shifu, a renowned Chinese coin expert, presents the "Dictionary of Chinese Numismatics", a comprehensive two-volume set in 16-inch hardcover, traditional vertical Chinese characters. It compiles coins from the pre-Qin period to the early Republic of China, featuring both Chinese and neighboring countries' coins, with a focus on circulated coins, though non-circulated ones are occasionally included. The dictionary contains 6,000 entries on figures, publications, eras, terms, and coin inscriptions, along with over 4,000 line drawings of coin types, making it easy to search. It serves as an indispensable reference book for coin collectors and researchers.
The scope of the "Dictionary of Chinese Numismatics" primarily covers Chinese coins, supplemented by coins from neighboring countries such as Korea, Japan, and Vietnam. The upper limit extends to the pre-Qin period, while the lower limit ends when copper coins and silver coins replaced the round copper coins. The dictionary primarily includes circulated coins, with occasional inclusion of non-circulated ones.
For pre-Qin coins, the dictionary strives for clarity in annotations, extensively collecting various interpretations to illustrate the evolution of correct interpretations. Characters identified as (Lìshū) are presented in common script, avoiding non-standard scripts unless absolutely necessary. Ancient coins are predominantly copper, with no need for additional notes. Chinese scripts are generally easy to distinguish, but the Tang dynasty's "Kāitōng Yuánbǎo" is adopted as the standard for later Lìshū (cursive script), serving as a basis to differentiate between Lìshū and (Zhèngshū). If a coin's (Bǎowén) matches Lìshū, it is uniformly classified as such; otherwise, it is considered . When a single coin exhibits multiple scripts, it is labeled as (Záshū), more common in foreign coin inscriptions, though rarely used in Chinese coins.
The dictionary employs the Four-Corner Numbering System for indexing, allowing direct retrieval by number without the hassle of stroke counts.