Chemical studies of Chinese coinage II: from Qin to Yuan (221 BCE–1368 CE)

Abstract This paper surveys of the chemical composition copper alloy coinage in China from Qin Dynasty to end Yuan (221 BCE–1368 CE). It shows a dramatic change alloying practice used cast these coins unification (after 221 BCE), compared that practiced pre-Qin. There are number shifts quality dynasty dynasty, such as obvious debasement Southern Song (1127–1279 CE) when previous Northern (960–1127 Particular attention is paid low levels zinc over period. Although not switch brass Ming, certain periods do show occasional values up 2–4%, which we suggest could reflect sporadic input recycled (Cu–Zn alloy) into raw material melt. were several major suppressions Buddhism during this period, Buddhist statuary was coinage, providing plausible mechanism for injection small quantities alloy. A diachronic study amounts iron metal, taken indicate changes manufacturing process copper, also time. The median jump (221–206 BCE) Western Han (206 BCE–9 CE), possibly reflecting adoption slagging processes production followed by gradual decline and rapid increase Finally, content silver time reveals differences sources lead, or lead extraction technologies,