A typically known Chinese coin is traditionally depicted as being circular, with a square hole in the middle. Both these shapes have a hidden meaning - the circle and square, taken together, represent Heaven and Earth combined.
These coins are usually depicted in threes, and tied together with red string or ribbon.
The History of Chinese Coins
China has a long monetary history, and there are at least 700 different coin characters to a coin (coin characters are also called legends). Chinese coins usually have two or four characters, but they may also have as many as nine or as few as none. Characters on the coin symbolize a wide range of things, such as the name of the kingdom, the mint, the year, the denomination, the monetary unit, or the government bureau that issued it.
In the case of Emperor Yongli of the Ming Dynasty, the character could even be part of a sentence. Emperor Yongli issued coins with a declaration that was ten characters long, featuring one character on each of the ten coins.
Before the development of coins, the Chinese used other mediums of exchange, including precious stones, brick tea, silk, and cowrie shells. The first metal coins were formed into sycees, or boat-shaped ingots. Later, sword- and spade-shaped coins were developed and sporadically used until the early part of the Han Dynasty.
Symbol of Prosperity, Success and Wealth
The Chinese believe that tying three Chinese coins together with red thread and placing them into work folders, cashboxes, on doorknobs and upon cash registers enhances Wealth making abilities. Tucking three coins inside one's purse or pocket book is also thought to ensure good money luck.
Feng Shui-wise, if one wants to create the money energy of these coins one can tie ten coins together to simulate the ten Emperor coins. This practice symbolizes the wealth of ten Emperors. If one is a businessman or businesswoman, hanging these coins on the wall near sitting locations will create auspicious business and career luck.
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