Wuzhu

Wuzhu refers to a series of Chinese cash coins that were minted during various dynasties, most notably the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD) and the Song Dynasty (960–1279 AD). The name "Wuzhu" (五銖) literally translates to "five zhu," with "zhu" being an ancient Chinese unit of weight, approximately equivalent to 0.373 grams. This indicates that the earliest Wuzhu coins, originating from the Han Dynasty, were intended to weigh approximately 3.73 grams.

The Wuzhu coin design typically featured Chinese characters inscribed on a round, flat metal disc with a square hole in the center. This distinctive shape allowed the coins to be strung together for easier carrying and counting. Over centuries of use and minting, the weight and composition of Wuzhu coins varied. While the Han Dynasty Wuzhu coin was the first to establish this denomination, it was the Tang Dynasty's widespread production and standardization of the coin that solidified its importance.

The Wuzhu coin served as a primary medium of exchange in China for over 600 years. Its long history and consistent denomination made it a symbol of economic stability and continuity. The coinage played a crucial role in facilitating trade, collecting taxes, and supporting the imperial economy throughout various periods of Chinese history. The eventual discontinuation of the Wuzhu denomination was part of broader monetary reforms that introduced new coin types and denominations.