Horse coin

What it is

Horse coins are a specific type of Chinese numismatic charm, not circulating currency. They typically measure three centimetres in diameter with a central hole. The designs feature horses in various poses, such as sleeping, neighing, or galloping. Scholars believe these objects served as tokens for board games or gambling counters. While literary figures from past dynasties wrote about them, their exact function remains a subject of speculation among researchers today.

Where it comes from

These charms originated during the Song dynasty, though some evidence suggests an earlier start in the Tang dynasty. The finest examples come from the Song period, crafted with superior metal and detail. Later dynasties produced inferior versions. Ferghana horse coins, representing the prized 'sweating blood' breed, also date to the Song era. Yuan dynasty specimens featuring Mongolian horse armour are extremely rare and poorly understood.

How it is done

The coins are categorized into three design types based on how the imagery and inscriptions are arranged. One type shows the horse on one side and text on the other. Another places both image and text on a single side with a blank reverse. The rarest type features identical designs on both faces. In Java, artisans sometimes engraved horse coin designs onto existing cash coins like Kan'ei Tsūhō.

Tools and materials

Artisans primarily used copper and bronze to cast these charms. Rare specimens were fashioned from animal horns or ivory. The holes punched in the center often obscured details like saddles, which modern researchers note could have provided valuable insights into ancient equestrian culture if left unobstructed.

What it is for

They were likely used as game board pieces or gambling counters. Some depict famous historical horses, such as those associated with General Yue Yi of Yan. Others feature mythological creatures like Long Ju, the dragon colt described in the Rites of Zhou. Commemorative versions celebrate specific events or legendary animals.

Who does it

Modern research is conducted by scholars and historians. Researchers Jian Ning and Wang Liyan published studies in 2002 analyzing the physical characteristics of the coins. Auction houses handle rare specimens, such as the sale of a unique Song dynasty Ferghana coin in 2017.

Peoples and places

The practice is rooted in Chinese culture, with references to famous horses in Chinese history and mythology. Mongol influences appear in Yuan dynasty coins depicting horses in typical Mongolian armour. The tradition spread to regions like Java, where local craftsmen adapted the designs onto different coin bases.

What people believe

The charms reflect a cultural appreciation for equine beauty and strength. They honor specific breeds like the Ferghana horse, known for sweating blood. Mythological elements include the dragon colt, a creature of immense height. The designs serve as tangible links to legendary figures and animals celebrated in classical texts.

How scholars and sceptics see it

Researchers categorize the coins by design and material quality. Studies focus on distinguishing Song dynasty craftsmanship from later imitations. Experts analyze the relationship between the coin holes and visible saddle details. Academic papers discuss their potential use in late imperial Chinese board games.

Compare and confuse

Horse coins differ from standard currency despite their shape. They share similarities with other numismatic charms but are distinct in their thematic focus on horses. Javanese adaptations show how the design was repurposed on circulating cash coins.

Today

Rare specimens appear at auction houses. Collectors value Song dynasty examples for their high quality. Modern newspapers and academic journals continue to publish findings on the variety and usage of these historical artifacts.

Questions people ask about Horse coin

Good reading and sources

• Horse coin on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
• Wikidata recordOpen data