Cash (Chinese coin)
STYLE OF FORMER CHINESE COINS MINTED WITH CENTRAL HOLES FOR TRANSPORT ON ROPES AND CORDS
Copper cash; Cash coin; Chinese cash coins; Chinese cash (coins)
The cash or qian was a type of coin of China and East Asia, used from the 4th century BC until the 20th century AD, characterised by their round outer shape and a square center hole (方穿, fāng chuān). Originally cast during the Warring States period, these coins continued to be used for the entirety of Imperial China.