Western Han Dynasty. Wang Mang (Rebel, AD 7-23) gold-inlaid "Key Money" Knife Valued at 5000 ND (AD 7-9), Opitz-pg. 188 (this piece illustrated), FD-458, Schjöth-119, Hartill-9.12 (Rare), Jen-69. 74x29mm. 33.25gm. A very rare and fascinating piece of early Chinese monetary history, these gold-inlaid knives representing 5000 Wu Shu in value, or roughly 1/2 cattie (one cattie being equal to 120 grams) of gold, placing their face value--via fiat--at 2 ounces of pure gold. The present example, moreover, preserves a wonderfully intact thin layer of gold over the characters "Yi Dao" (One Knife) along with hard apple-green patina and remarkably clean edges, making it a clear contender for the connoisseur. The reverse displays a small inventory sticker from Mr. Opitz's collection. Sold with old ANA Authentication Bureau Certificate AB 2843. This lot has not yet been assigned a grade, as it will be submitted to Gongbo for certification before the auction.

HID09801242017

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