2017-05-20 Sat

‘Ant’s Nose Coin’ is the name of certain small copper pellet-like shaped money of China. It is convex from one side and flat on the other. They are presumed to be in existence between 650-600 B.C.

The designation ‘Amt’s nose money’ is perhaps given owing to the ancient practice that Chinese people follow- burying of “valuable ants” along with the dead. They are sometimes also called ‘Ghost’s Face or Head Money’ as they looked like having 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 supposed to be inscribed with the weight value Pan Liang, or half Tael.