Definición

• A name given to certain small copper pellet-like shaped money of China, convex on one side and Mat on the other. They are generally con- ceded to have been in use about B.C. 650- 600, and the designation " Ant's Nose Money " is due, perhaps, to the ancient practice of burying " valuable ants " with the dead. " Ghost's Face or Head Money " is also an appellation given to them, no doubt on account of their likeness to the features of a spectre of the nether world. Their latest cognomen is that of " Metallic Cowries " in imitation of cowry shells, whose shape they are supposed to follow and which were known to be used as a currency medium in ancient China.

  The most common variety is that sup- posed to be inscribed with the weight value Pan Liang, or half Tael. For a detailed account see Ramsden, Numismatic and Philatelic Journal of Japan , 1914 (iii, 4, 5), and Spink (xxiii, p. 564).

Fuente

• Frey's Dictionary (American Journal of Numismatics, Vol. 50, 1916)

Relaciones