The unearthed bronze coin molds and the evolution of coin technology in the Warring States period and Qin-Han dynasties

Abstract Coin-minting models and molds can be classified into grand master patterns, master patterns, and casting molds, based on function. The archaeological data available at present show that the bronze coin molds are mainly master patterns and casting molds. This paper makes an as complete as possible collection of archaeologically unearthed bronze molds from the Warring States period to the Qin-Han dynasty, and then classifies them based on coin-minting technology and their functions and forms. After that, the ways to make the molds and to use them to mint coins, as well as the development procedure from vertical mold assembly technology to stack-casting technology are observed. Finally, the social background of the evolution of the coin-minting technology in this period is discussed.