Ancient China Qin Dynasty Ban Liang (半兩) Bronze Cash Coin – GBCA 美85

Offered here is an ancient Chinese Ban Liang (半兩), or Half Tael, bronze cash coin attributed to the Qin Dynasty, the dynasty that first unified China under Emperor Qin Shi Huang.

This historically important coin represents one of the earliest standardized monetary systems in imperial Chinese history.

Professionally encapsulated and graded GBCA 美85, this specimen displays attractive ancient green and reddish-brown patina, with the distinctive two-character inscription surrounding a square central hole.

Coin Specifications

• Country: Ancient China

• Dynasty: Qin Dynasty (221–206 BC)

• Ruler: Qin Shi Huang era / Qin Dynasty attribution

• Denomination: Ban Liang (半兩), Half Tael

• Composition: Bronze / Copper Alloy

• Obverse: 半兩 (Ban Liang)

• Reverse: Plain

• Diameter: 27.5 ± 0.6 mm (holder specification)

• Weight: 2.8 grams

• Grading Service: GBCA (Gong Bo Grading)

• Grade: 美85

• Certification Number: 1119429737

Historical Background

The Qin Dynasty (221–206 BC) was one of the most significant turning points in Chinese history.

In 221 BC, Qin Shi Huang defeated the rival states and unified much of China under a centralized imperial government, becoming China's first emperor.

Among his far-reaching reforms was the standardization of currency, weights, measures, and writing systems.

The Ban Liang coin became the standard bronze currency of the unified Qin Empire. Its distinctive round shape with a square central hole established a monetary design that influenced Chinese coinage for more than 2,000 years.

The inscription 半兩 means "Half Tael," referring to the traditional weight denomination.

Although Ban Liang coins originated before imperial unification, they became closely associated with the Qin monetary system and continued to be produced into the Han Dynasty.

Collector Highlights

• Ancient Chinese coin attributed to the Qin Dynasty

• Associated with the era of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang

• Historically important Ban Liang (Half Tael) denomination

• More than 2,200 years of monetary history

• Professionally encapsulated by GBCA

• Certified grade 美85

• Attractive ancient green and reddish-brown patina

• Classic round coin with square central hole

• Desirable for collectors of ancient China, Qin Dynasty history, and early world coinage

Condition and Shipping

The coin displays aged copper-alloy surfaces with green and brown patination, as visible in the photographs.

This is the exact GBCA-certified coin shown in the photographs.

Please examine both sides carefully for condition, surface characteristics, and holder details.

An excellent addition to any collection of ancient Chinese coins or early monetary history.