My Ancient Chinese Knife Coin Collection.

Here are the five I have so far. I'm trying to build a type set by shape, but I still have about 3 to go. I know where to get one of them, but the other two are exceedingly rare, and I may have to settle for counterfeits of them. All of the knives are rotated to the left 90 degrees so that they didn't take up too much space.

Actual Zhou-Dynasty Knives



Prototype Knife Coin


See how the blade is not sharp and is of the same thickness as the handle? This is a very weak design and could not have been used as a knife tool. Compare with the knives above.

Pointed Tip Knife (ca 600-400 BC)
Obverse: Fei
Reverse: Blank
H-4.22



I feel that this is the oldest type of knife because it has a strong reinforcing ridge as the back rim of the coin, as seen on the two real knives above. However, the blade is more stylized and has lost its functionality, meaning it is likely not an actual knife.


Pointed Tip Knife (ca 600-400 BC)
Obverse: Blank
Reverse: Blank
H-4.15



Probably a more recent variety than above as there is no reingforcing ridge. There is just a slightly-raised rim that goes completely around the blade.


Needle-Tip Knife (ca 600-400 BC)
Obverse: Ba (eight)
Reverse: Blank
H-4.9



Ex: Arthur Sackler Collection

Exactly where this type fits in the progression of the pointed-tip knife coins is unknown, but it is likely immediately before or after the above type due to the similarities in their design. However, due to it rarity (last one that sold was in 2011!) and its localized archeological provenance, the needle-tip knifes could be a local variety.


Qi Knife (ca 400-220 BC)
Obverse: Qi Fa Hua (Qi Legal Money
Reverse: Tu or Shi
H-4.6-l



These are very well cast and styled unlike any other knife in ancient China. Due to the advances character formation and the high, prominent rims, researchers believe these coins to be of later date than other knife coins.


Straight Knife (ca 300-250 BC)
Obverse: Bai Bi
Reverse: Blank
H-4.60



These are very well made and have a reinforcing back edge, but these have been found with round coins, indicating a later make.


Ming Knife, Angled Back (ca 400-220 BC)
Obverse: Ming
Reverse: Xing (crossroads)
H-4.43-1.ab



These are by far the most common type of knife coin. We know these to be of later date because of their relation to and circulation with various round coins.