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HAN: AE 'gridiron' money (37.88g), VF

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / Chinese Coins - Ancient Start Price:130.00 USD Estimated At:150.00 - 200.00 USD
HAN: AE 'gridiron' money (37.88g), VF
SOLD
280.00USD+ buyer's premium (56.00)
This item SOLD at 2026 Jan 25 @ 20:48UTC-08:00 : PST/AKDT
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BUYER'S PREMIUM - The Buyer's Premium is $20 per lot or 20% of the hammer price, whichever amount is greater.
HAN: AE 'gridiron' money (37.88g), Opitz p.152, Coole p.112, 43 x 142mm, known as jí bì ("prickly money") in Chinese, with a holed central prong and two exterior prongs in the shape of a dragon head at either end, VF, ex Ilse & Rolf Braun Collection. Though historically referred to as money, ji bi is generally not considered a form of currency in modern literature, including Ding Fubao's Encyclopedia of Ancient Money (1938). Its practical purpose remains inconclusive, with theories ranging from hairpin to mirror holder. However, the recent discovery of several examples with vertical striated marks strongly suggests its use as a thread spool. (See www.npm.gov.tw/NewChineseArtDownload.ashx?bid=4374 for images and an in-depth discussion.)Rolf (1937-2016) and Ilse Braun were the founder and the secretary of the European Collectors of Primitive Money (EUCOPRIMO), a well-known organization in the field of ethnographic currency. Based in Germany, the group meets twice a year and issues a yearly magazine. Rolf and Ilse also co-authored Opium-Gewichte, one of the most referenced works on Burmese opium weights.