Chapter 7, Inventory of Ancient Coins

After an extensive search, he finally found an e-book titled "Ancient Chinese Coins." Upon opening it, the first page displayed the very coin he held in his hand, the "One Knife Equal to Five Thousand." However, it was labeled as the "Gold Misplaced Knife." It turns out that during the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, due to advancements in productivity, some small feudal states began to manufacture and use this type of knife-shaped currency. The "One Knife Equal to Five Thousand" was a new currency minted after Wang Mang usurped the Han dynasty, known as the "Mother Coin of the Gold Misplaced Knife," also referred to as "One Knife Equal to Five Thousand." This knife coin, cast by Wang Mang as part of his "Ancient Reform," consists of a knife ring and a knife body, made of bronze. The upper and lower parts of the hole are inscribed with the words "One Knife" in negative relief, while the words "One Knife" are in gold, shining brilliantly. Generally, it measures 7.3 centimeters in length, weighs between 20 to 40 grams, and varies in thickness. The knife body is inscribed with the words "Equal to Five Thousand," meaning that one such gold misplaced knife is worth five thousand copper coins. The "One Knife Equal to Five Thousand" is the earliest and the only coin in China made using the misplaced gold technique. Due to its exquisite craftsmanship, unique shape, and rarity, it is cherished by coin collectors. Throughout history, literati and scholars such as Zhang Heng, Han Yu, and Qian Zhaodu have left behind poems like "A beauty gifted me the gold misplaced knife, how shall I repay her with jade and pearls?", "You hold the gold misplaced knife, not to be pierced by a goose's eye", and "Lotus waving ten thousand jade ruyi, a cicada sounds the gold misplaced knife." This has led to Wang Mang being praised by collectors throughout the ages as the "Master of Coin Minting."

Once again opening the treasure chest, the little monk skillfully handled these precious ancient coins one by one with the knowledge he had acquired. Although these ancient coins had been submerged underwater for a hundred years, their history might well be measured in millennia. Each coin was exceptionally exquisite, indicating that their previous owner had selected only the finest pieces, as anything of lesser value would not have caught his discerning eye

Next episode highlights: making a fortune, shopping, buying a house, buying a car, treating guests

For instance, the "Ilkhanate" coin was minted by the Mongol Empire during the Yuan Dynasty, which established four states across the Eurasian continent. The "Ilkhanate" coin was minted by Öljaitü, the grandson of Genghis Khan, in the Ilkhanate established in the region of Iran in West Asia, and its design is similar to the "Great Yuan National Treasure" coins minted by the Yuan government. It is likely a reward coin minted by the Yuan government. Currently, only one such coin exists, which is not only invaluable but also immerses one in the historical era of warfare and conquest.

Upon seeing this, Xiao Fo not only understood the origin of this coin but also wanted to know its value. Therefore, he opened the internet and began searching for the price of this ancient coin. After entering "Jin Cuo Dao price" online, he found an auction website. To his surprise, this small ancient coin was priced at over 10,000 yuan, while exquisite ones were even sold for over 90,000 yuan. This meant that this small knife coin could be exchanged for a small car. Xiao Fo was overjoyed; just in this box, there were no less than dozens of these exquisite "Jin Cuo Dao" coins. Ten of them could be exchanged for a luxury mansion. How could he not be happy about that?

This box of treasures is undoubtedly priceless, thought the little monk. First, he would take out a few duplicates to exchange for some money, which would also improve his own living conditions, and from then on, he would no longer have to worry about money.

This ancient coin box contains three or four coins, which would hold immense value; one coin could be exchanged for a thousand taels of gold, and there is only one in the entire country. It is hard to imagine. Just these few ancient coins in this box would be enough to make the little Buddha a billionaire, far more precious than any treasure chest of gold and jewels

Referring to the booklet in the ancient box, most of the ancient coins inside were purchased at prices of hundreds or thousands of taels, and some were even confiscated directly from tomb raiders. It is likely that the owner of this ancient box was originally a person from the government, and being able to collect so many ancient coins must have been obtained from the spoils of those notorious thieves. Unexpectedly, all these ancient coins now belong to me, and I, Little Buddha, am so delighted that I can hardly contain my joy

After a night of intensive study, Xiao Fo has thoroughly grasped the contents of "Chinese Ancient Coins"

The anxious little monk hurriedly returned home, dove into his dilapidated little house, and turned on his outdated computer to search for electronic books related to his collection

Each ancient coin carries a history, which not only makes Xiao Fo appreciate their value but also admire their historical charm, gradually developing a fondness for these exquisite items

There is another set of ancient coins strung together, which upon comparison, turns out to be a complete set of "Five Springs and Ten Cloths". It has been mentioned in books that only the Qianlong Emperor of the Qing Dynasty managed to collect a complete set of "Five Springs and Ten Cloths", which he cherished and played with daily. Although there are now some specimens available, their authenticity is indeterminate. However, this string of "Five Springs and Ten Cloths" is estimated to be absolutely genuine, as the booklet found in the treasure chest records that dozens of tomb raiders were beheaded, and among their collected items, "Five Springs and Ten Cloths" ancient coins were occasionally seen, which were greatly admired and thus included in the chest. The quality of these coins is ancient and exquisite. After searching online, the price of this set of coins is not very high (compared to national treasures like the Golden Coffer), yet it is still considerable. The little monk stretched lazily and remarked, "I also greatly admire it, how fortunate, how fortunate." He then bowed to the treasure chest, saying, "Thank you, benefactor, for gifting me the golden knife; unfortunately, I cannot repay the favor to Ying Qiong Yao, hahahaha, hehehehe." The little monk did not realize that what he discovered was already at the level of a scheming smile; truly, it is the petty person who achieves success, not the petty person who gains wealth.

He picked up the "National Treasure Gold Coin Zhi Wan" which is round on the top and square on the bottom, and compared it with what was described in the book: during the late Western Han Dynasty, the Wang Mang regime minted a special type of currency called "Xin". This currency consists of two parts: the upper part is in the form of a round coin with a square hole, with a diameter of 3 centimeters, and the inscription on the face is in seal script, reading "National Treasure Gold Coin" in four characters, which is read in a rotational manner, using the suspended needle seal. The lower part features a short neck and a square body with a side length of 2.8 centimeters, with two straight lines on the front and back, and within the lines, the characters "Zhi Wan" are inscribed in suspended needle seal, while the back is blank. It is basically confirmed that this is the coin. What astonished him even more was that this coin is actually a national treasure-level artifact, one piece was stored in the China History Museum at the beginning of the founding of the nation, while the other piece has been missing for many years. According to records by Ding, this item was once exchanged for a thousand taels of gold, making it a leading ancient coin.