2017-02-06 Mon

It takes a time for us to think when we talk about coins which are not in round shape. Shapes and sizes play a very important role when it comes to coins. Also it increases the level of eagerness to know more about it.

What if we tell you there were coins in the shape of a knife?
Yikes! Yes you heard it right…

The Zhou Dynasty of China (600 to 200 BCE) issued the knife money. They were of various types like Qi knives, needle tip knives, pointed tip knives, Ming knives, boshan knives and straight knives. They were as long as around 160 mm weighing around 15.6 g.

How and why this odd shape currency came into existence is still a matter of discussion. But it is widely accepted that a prince who was running low on money to pay his troops allowed them to use their knives as a form of currency to barter with villagers and the medium became so popular that it became generally accepted. While another one says that, the same prince began accepting knives as payment for small fines in the place of the current legal ring money.

Whatever it was! The Chinese came up with a very unique medium of exchange and put a weapon to good use!

Also to read on few more odd shaped currency from around the world. Stay excited and explore yourself!