A LOT WITH TWO PIECES OF BRONZE SPADE MONEY, XIN DYNASTYChina, Xin Dynasty (9-25) or later. The square-footed spade money with archaic script to one side.Condition: Good condition with expected traces of age and wear as well as extensive malachite encrustations.Provenance: UK trade.Weight: 31 g (total)Dimensions: Length 6 cmLiterature comparison: For a related coin see The British Museum, Museum number 1999,0207.1Spade money was an early form of coin used in China during the Zhou dynasty (1045 to 256 BC). Initially, spade coins had a fragile, hollow socket resembling a metal shovel, but later versions had a thin, flat piece with inscriptions marking their value. They circulated in the Chinese Central Plains until they were replaced by Ban Liang cash coins during the Qin Dynasty in 221 BC. In recent archaeological findings, a spade money mint was discovered in Henan Province, possibly dating back to 640-550 BCE, suggesting Chinese origins for early coinage.