To produce an accurate image of coins and of their inscriptions Chinese scholars used to do their own rubbings. Books in China were printed using woodblocks, which does not give accurate illustrations.
But the earliest extent coin catalogue dates back to the 12th century, it is the Quanzhi written by Hong Zun (1120-1174) - a 1874 reprint of this book is included in the display. Your readers may be interested to know that the earliest numismatic book in China is the Qianzhi and dates back to the 6th century AD. For scholars, the study of ancient inscriptions is key to understanding the past, and coins contribute to it. Coins are scholarly antiques par excellence: their appreciation requires a certain cultural background, because they are above all historical objects. This passion originated in the imperial court's enthusiasm for the past and antiquities. The collection contained Chinese, ancient and contemporary currencies, Japanese currencies, a Sassanian coin and an imitation of a Byzantine coin.Ĭoin collecting developed mainly in China during the Song dynasty (960–1279). It was buried by his heirs after his death, probably in the face of the advance of An Lushan's troops to Chang'an in 756. His collection was discovered in Hejiacun in Shaanxi. The earliest known Chinese coin collector was Li Shouli (672–741), Prince of Bin. The display presents the tradition of coin collection in China.
At my request, Lyce kindly forwarded the following text and images. The Ashmolean Museum at the University of Oxford has an exhibit curated by Dr Lyce Jankowski which opened in the Money Gallery on April 25th, 2017.
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