 Ancient Chinese Coins
The earliest true coins fall into three general types, which originated in different parts of China: Spade money in the Shantung Peninsula and south of the Yellow River Valley, Knife money in the Yellow River Valley, and Cowry imitation money just north of the Yangtze river. Dating of these coins is very much in dispute, however it is generally agreed that this form of coinage first appeared between the 6th and 10th century BC.
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