Qin Dynasty Bronze Coin, Xin Dynasty of Wang Mang II

The Xin dynasty, founded by Wang Mang, represents one of the most dramatic interruptions in the long continuity of Chinese imperial rule. Rising to power as regent during the Western Han dynasty, Wang Mang declared himself Son of Heaven in AD 9, establishing the Xin, meaning “New,” dynasty. His reign divided the Han period into Western Han before and Eastern Han after.

Wang Mang sought to govern according to Confucian ideals, envisioning a moral restoration modeled on the ancient Zhou dynasty. His reforms were sweeping. He attempted to abolish slavery, redistribute land, and reorganize the economy through radical changes to currency, weights, and measures. New coin types were introduced as part of this effort, intended to reflect a restored ethical and social order.

In practice, these reforms destabilized the economy and provoked widespread resistance. Combined with floods, famine, and rebellion, unrest spread rapidly across the empire. In AD 23, Wang Mang was killed during a revolt, and the Han dynasty was eventually restored. Traditional histories condemned him as a usurper, while modern scholars often view him as a complex and idealistic reformer whose vision outpaced political reality.

Coins from this period survive as direct witnesses to this brief and pivotal chapter in Chinese history, when radical ideas were struck into bronze and put into circulation across the empire.

• The authentic ancient Chinese bronze coin shown
• Carefully prepared and set as a finished pendant
• A sterling silver chain
• Optional 14k gold chain upgrade available at checkout
• Protective packaging suitable for storage or gifting
• Documentation describing the coin and its historical context

Ancient China

Xin Dynasty

Reign of Wang Mang

Struck AD 7–23

Bronze coin

Obverse: Inscribed Chinese characters denoting value

Reverse: Blank or lightly inscribed depending on the issue