[ An Beautiful Misunderstanding from London ]
The use of money in China could be traced back to at least four thousand years ago. China was also the first country to use paper money, or credit currency in the world. Ancient paper money can only be described in general terms for lack of material objects. About the Pai-Lu P'i-pi  (white deer-skin money) of Han Dynasty and the Fei-Chien  (flying money) of Tang Dynasty, I personally have never seen the actual objects. However, the official issuing of paper money in Sung Dynasty is famous in the field of numismatic. [Chiao-Tzu  (1008AD) and Chien-Yin  (1105AD) of Northern Sung and Hui-Tzu  (1160AD) and Kuan-Tzu  (1131AD) of Southern Sung]. The use of paper moneys went on through the Yuan and Ming as well as the end of the Qing Dynasty. Paper money played its important roles in different stages of the money history of China.I post below is an email from Mr. R. M. of London, UK. He recently purchased what he believed to be a promissory note in China. I received this email on 31st March 2010. The email is self-explanatory Subject: Chinese Bank Note Date:31st March Thursday 5:25am From: "R.M. I recently purchased what I believe to be a promissory note in China (see attached image). The note appears to be on true parchment paper (some type of animal skin). The left side literally translates as, “This is the real thing including back and forth.” The right side possibly identifies the issuing company as Sky Long and goes on to say “This is retail and real gold.” The concept seems similar to the use of “flying money” allowing commerce between distant cities and provinces in China . It is also possible the term Sky Long relates to the region of issue rather than a company making the promise to pay. I am told Sky Long translates to "Tianchang" and appeared between 618 to 907 A.D. during the Tang Dynasty. Evidently, the use of "Gold" ink/print was extremely popular during Tang Dynasty. I am not sure if it is the "flying money" but it is possibly from Tang Dynasty. Have you come across anything similar to this? Would be grateful for any information you can provide. Best! M.R. |
Extremely Rare A ~ Very Rare B ~ Rare C ~ Not So Many D ~ Common E
