Name/Title
CE 0010 – 0023 Huo Quan Cash, Wang Mang, Xin Dynasty, c. 14–23 CE, China (Hartill 9.33)Description
Huo Quan (貨泉) Cash Coin
Xin Dynasty, Wang Mang
China, c. 14–23 CE
Cast copper alloy
Hartill 9.33
Issued during the reign of Wang Mang (9–23 CE), founder and only emperor of the short-lived Xin dynasty. The inscription 貨泉 (Huo Quan), written in seal script and read right to left, identifies the denomination. Huo Quan can be understood as “currency” or “coinage.”
Introduced around 14 CE as part of Wang Mang’s extensive monetary reforms, the Huo Quan replaced several earlier experimental denominations. Like most traditional Chinese cash, the coin was cast rather than struck. Its square central hole allowed multiple coins to be threaded onto a rod for finishing and later carried together in strings. The reverse is uninscribed.
Wang Mang’s ambitious political and monetary reforms ultimately failed amid economic disruption, natural disasters, and rebellion. He was killed in 23 CE, bringing the Xin dynasty to an end and allowing the restoration of the Han dynasty.Create Date
August 13, 2026Update Date
August 21, 2026
