Chinese Numismatic Appraisal

Ancient Chinese Cash Coin

The item is a circular, flat coin or charm, likely made from a copper alloy such as bronze or brass, given the prominent turquoise-green patination (verdigris) visible across its surfaces. Its color varies significantly, encompassing dark brown/black where the original metal surface may be more exposed or less corroded, transitioning to a vivid teal and lighter blue-green in areas with heavy mineral deposits due to oxidation. The coin features a square hole in its center, a common characteristic of ancient East Asian coinage, particularly Chinese cash coins. The front face displays four distinct ideograms, or characters, arranged symmetrically around the central square hole. While the exact characters are somewhat obscured by the heavy patina and surface pitting, they are typical of inscriptions found on ancient Chinese coinage. The surface texture is rough and pitted, indicating significant age, environmental exposure, and likely a long period of burial or submersion. There are no readily discernible manufacturing marks or clear signatures, which is common for this type of ancient currency. The edges appear somewhat irregular and worn. The overall condition suggests a significant amount of wear and oxidation, demonstrating its antiquity and history. The craftsmanship appears to be cast, rather than struck, which was typical for Chinese cash coins. This piece likely dates from an ancient or medieval period, possibly from one of China's imperial dynasties, and due to its substantial patination, it could be several centuries, if not over a millennium, old. The quality indicators point towards a utilitarian object rather than a finely detailed artistic piece, with its value more intrinsically linked to its historical context and metal content rather than intricate design details.