Knives and Spades
In ancient China, bronze knives and spades weren’t just tools—they were money. These “knife coins” and “spade coins” came in various sizes and designs and were stamped with official symbols to indicate authenticity. Their shapes were a nod to their agricultural society, where tools were essential for survival and trade.
Eventually, the practicality of round coins surpassed the cumbersome nature of blade-shaped currency, but these relics offer a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of money. It’s hard to imagine pulling out a spade from your pocket to buy lunch, but 2,500 years ago, that might have sealed the deal.
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