These are the height of cowry value and rarity. I have other examples where bits of gold leaf have survived on a bronze cowry but this one is still mostly covered. It has not been heavily cleaned and that is why the very thin gold layer is retained on this example.
I and others speculate that these were valuable gift items from royalty and/or grave items. Note: the photo is poor here so I will re-post another at a later date. Also watch links here and in the Library for an extensive article of ancient cowries written by a famous Chinese researcher.
This is how Bob Reis (anythinganywhere.com) describes gold wrapped imitation cowries:
Shanxi, ZHOU Dynasty, 1122-255 BC, State of Jin, c. 600-500 BC, imitation cowrie, gold wrapped bronze, 23x28mm, 4.32g, H1.3 dirty, crusty, F $250.00. 19 x 16 x 2.5 mm.; 1.55 gm. RARE!
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
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