(t) CHINA. State of Chu. Warring States Period. "Miao" Gold Cube Money, ND (ca. 475-221 B.C.). Certified "80" by Hua Xin Coin Grading Company.
Hartill-5.6. Weight: 8.8 gms. Dimensions: 22.7mm x 7.1mm. Made in what is now Hubei province, the "cube money" types were cut from larger bars which allowed for the making of small denominations. According to Hartill (pg. 79), the obverse inscription on this piece is "uncertain", yet more recently, scholars have attributed the character as "Miao".

Estimate: $3000.00- $5000.00

楚國爰金。戰國時代。"少貞"。
重8.8克。尺寸22.7 x 7.1 毫米。製於今湖北省。製作時打鑄金條，之後再根據需要將其切成零星小塊。按Hartilll (79頁)所述，正面銘文不明，但最近學者將其解讀為“眇”。 (t) On September 1, 2019, the United States enacted new tariffs on collector's items of Chinese origin, including bullion and numismatic coins and banknotes. This lot was manufactured in China and was sourced from outside the United States for this auction after the tariffs were enacted. Accordingly, any client who wishes to take delivery of this item within the United States will be subject to a 7.5% import tariff plus a processing fee of 0.3464% (minimum $31.67 / maximum $614.35). Please note, this is not, and is not intended to be, a complete description of the applicable import tariffs and buyer remains fully liable for and agrees to promptly pay all tariffs and fees relating to the import of these items into the United States and neither the auctioneer nor any consignor will have any responsibility to pay any applicable tariffs or fees. Please consult your tax adviser with any questions. Furthermore, any lots subject to an import tariff will be shipped directly from our Hong Kong offices and shipments to the United States will be subject to our international shipping chart.