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Title	China, Xin Dynasty, Huo Bu Modern Replica Bronze Cash, after 14 AD
Obverse	Huo Bu
Reverse	Blank
Type/Denomination	Modern Replica of Bronze Cash
Origin	China
Period	A replica of a coin from afer 14 AD
Description	This coin is a modern replica of a spade coin which circulated under the usurper Wang Mang (7-23 AD). In Chinese numismatics, modern means post Qing dynasty (1644 to 1912 AD). It is a replica because it imitates an actually circulated coin. Fantasy, on the other hand, has no predecessor in circulation, though possibly similar characteristics. The calligraphy, rims, edges, and weight of the coin are all means to determine whether a coin is genuine, fantasy, or replica. On its reverse, this replica says “Huo Bu” and the reverse is blank. The actual coins were issued during Wang Mang’s fifth reform. Its equivalent value was 25 Wu Zhus. Wang Mang, seen as a Chinese imperial usurper, ascended to the throne around 7AD. There were many coins minted under him. He instituted five reforms in the objective to distribute wealth among all the classes, to close huge gap that existed between the two extremes of rich and poor. However, his methods backfired. He first got rid of gold in the first reform, replacing it with token coinage representing the gold that the families use to have. But then in the second reform, he got rid of that token coinage and replaced it with another monetary system. The third, fourth, and fifth reforms attempted to repair the damage that the first two reforms wrought on the economy. In the end, the peasants revolted against Wang Mang, attacked him, and killed him. What followed was 2 years of civil strife with many others vying for the throne. In 25 AD, Guang Wudi became emperor.
Publisher	Hillsdale College
Donor	Alwin C. Carus
Collection	Tokens, Medals, and Non-legal Tender
Accession Number	20051273
Catalog Number	H. 9.30 and S. 148
Audience	Duplicates of this Coin; 20051270.

China, Xin Dynasty, Huo Bu Modern Replica Bronze Cash, after 14 AD

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