Viscounty of Chu (1030-704 BC), Kingdom of Chu (704-223 BC)
Warring State of China
Location: Southern China
Capital City: Danyang (1030-680 BC), Ying (680-278 BC), Chen (278-241 BC), Shouchun (241-223 BC)
Government type: Monarchy
Main languages: Old Chinese
Main religions: Chinese Folk Religion, Daoism
Chronology
1030 BC: Chu established within the Zhou Kingdom
704 BC: Xiong Tong proclaimed king, breaking from Zhou authority
223 BC: Conquered by Qin
Currency
Ant nose, Gold block, and Spade money (400-223 BC)
Coins from Chu in the collection
•Ant nose 400-223 BC (bronze, Hartill#1.5)
Note: A lot of early Chinese coins, including those of Chu, had no clearly defined value, so instead of being referred to with a denomination, are described by their shapes. Ant nose money, also called ghost face money, were oval-shaped bronze pieces with a hole on one end and a pattern carved on one side. Gold block money were gold cubes with text stamped on them. Spade money were bronze pieces shaped like the head of a hoe.