Object Details
Description (Brief)
One (1) kuan note
China, 1368-1399
Obverse Image: "Great Ming Treasure Note" at top, denomination below and then depicted as ten strings of 100 cash (i.e. 1000 cash or 1 kuan), "Great Ming Treasure Note" in seal characters, a statement by the Board of Revenue regarding their imperial sanction to print paper notes and threatening any would-be counterfeiters with death and loss of property.
Obverse Text: [NEEDS TRANSLATION]
Reverse Image: Denomination, image of coin strings, and seal all stamped on reverse.
Reverse Text: [NEEDS TRANSLATION]
Description
Paper money as it is known today was first developed in China in the 11th century CE. This Chinese note was issued by the Ming dynasty in the 14th century. Its value corresponded to 1,000 bronze coins, which are depicted strung together in the center of the note.
Credit Line
Chase Manhattan Bank
date made
1368-99 A.D.
14th century
1368-1399 A.D.
1368 - 1399
ID Number
1979.1263.01895
accession number
1979.1263
collector/donor number
00083
catalog number
79.112.CM00083.1
Object Name
Paper Money
Circulating Note
Great Ming note
note
Object Type
paper money
Physical Description
paper; organic material (unspecified) (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 33.7 cm x 22.3 cm x .01 cm; 13 9/32 in x 8 25/32 in x in
Related Publication
Feingold, Ellen R.. Value of Money, The
See more items in
Work and Industry: National Numismatic Collection
Chinese Banknotes
Chinese Paper Money
NNC Chinese Bank Notes
NNC_Transcription_Center_Chinese_Banknote_01
Exhibition
Value of Money
Exhibition Location
National Museum of American History
Data Source
National Museum of American History
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmah_1251421