Extremely rare example of how the cowries were cast. The 'tree' clearly shows 4 cowries on the casting sprue. These appear to be the last four on the branch at the termination of the sprue, there is no telling how many were on the original tree, but I would suspect at least 2 - 4 times as many. What is also clear is that there was a lot of bronze that then had to be remelted and that care had to be excercised in order to remove the shells from the sprue without damage. Some copper/bronze shells should show evidence of having been removed from a sprue. 72 x 58 x 6.5 mm; 35.74 gm
Moneta Library has articles on Cowries to VIEW and DOWNLOAD:
The Worlds's First Money, Chinese Cowries and Their Imitations - by Ted Puls: The Worlds Oldest Money Cowries Ted Puls
Cowries - Bob Reis: COWRIES Reis
Origin of Cowries in Ancient China - UofPa: Origin of Cowries in Ancient China
Metallic Cowries - Royal Asiatic Society: Metallic Cowries - Royal Asiatic Society
Nice Video on Cowrie history: http://tinyurl.com/CowrieVideo
An excellent article in ANA's "Numismatist" magazine, Oct 2017 > http://onlinedigitalpublishing.com/publication/?i=440085&ver=html5&p=40
SEE how far back in time decorative sea shells were important to prehistoric man at his : https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090505163021.htm
Interested in Primitive Money? Then check out this YouTube video created by Kagins Auctions featuring Bob Leonard and Charles Opitz upon the massive sale in March 2021. Click this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9MIKxfbAaZg
Nice example of a Cowery casting tree. Looks like you have an extensive collection of Chinese coins
I wanted to have a decent representative group but the problem is authentic items, confirmed by "experts", are really expensive now. The problem of deceptive fakes is huge. As for the cowrie tree, I've never seen another. The Chinese soak their finds in vinegar, thus producing that familiar green patina, I suppose it's better than as it was found.
Thanks for presenting your fine collection in the Moneta - and please keep it up!