2007 $8 Fine Silver Coin - The Shape of Trade in Ancient China
625-299
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Product Overview
This unique coin was inspired by the square-holed coins that came into use in China after 523 BC. Many believe its round shape symbolized heaven while the square represented earth. These coins were cast from bronze and the holes enabled them to be strung on a cord—1,000 coins forming the main purchasing unit in use at the time.
Canadian artist Harvey Chan created the reverse with three symbolic creatures: the bat, the deer and the dragon, which are traditionally associated with good fortune, prosperity and honour in Chinese culture. The Chinese characters that surround the square hole on the obverse represent blessing, honours and longevity while the background motif also symbolizes luck.
As Chinese people began to immigrate to Canada during the late 1800s, they quickly gained a reputation as capable, hardworking labourers who demanded very little of their employers. They made a significant contribution to the mining and railway industries and were excellent cooks, gardeners and launderers. However, with a language and culture that differed significantly from the European society that dominated 19th-century Canada, assimilation was difficult. Ever resourceful, these immigrants created their own communities and overcame their chronic shortage of funds by using the square-holed coins from their homeland as trade tokens.
• Mintage: 20,000
• Diameter: 36.07 mm
• Weight: 25.18 g fine silver
• GST/HST exempt
Includes:
• 2007 $8 Fine Silver Coin: The Shape of Trade in Ancient China
Canadian artist Harvey Chan created the reverse with three symbolic creatures: the bat, the deer and the dragon, which are traditionally associated with good fortune, prosperity and honour in Chinese culture. The Chinese characters that surround the square hole on the obverse represent blessing, honours and longevity while the background motif also symbolizes luck.
As Chinese people began to immigrate to Canada during the late 1800s, they quickly gained a reputation as capable, hardworking labourers who demanded very little of their employers. They made a significant contribution to the mining and railway industries and were excellent cooks, gardeners and launderers. However, with a language and culture that differed significantly from the European society that dominated 19th-century Canada, assimilation was difficult. Ever resourceful, these immigrants created their own communities and overcame their chronic shortage of funds by using the square-holed coins from their homeland as trade tokens.
• Mintage: 20,000
• Diameter: 36.07 mm
• Weight: 25.18 g fine silver
• GST/HST exempt
Includes:
• 2007 $8 Fine Silver Coin: The Shape of Trade in Ancient China
