The Reforms of Wang Mang
During the Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 221), Wang Mang (AD 9-22) briefly usurped the
dynasty and declared himself emperor. He attempted to return to the use of cowrie
shells and knives. His failure left the empire in fiscal crisis. Only silver ingots
were trustworthy. In future generations the banliang was abandoned
for the new wuzhu coin.
Bronze hybrid 5,000-cash knife coin of Wang
Mang from the mint of Pingyang.
Eastern Han Dynasty, 20 tael
silver ingot, issued during the reign of Emperor Huandi (AD 147-168).
1937.197.19823
Bronze wuzhu coin issued under
the later Han Dynasty (AD 25-220).