Coins and Paper Money -> Paper Money – World -> China

The Chinese actually invented paper money, and the process of making it dates back to the early 9th century. Collectors are always seeking Chinese paper money due to its rich history and value, and this is a currency that is very unique. Although it is nearly impossible to find many of these notes outside of a museum, Chinese paper money is very popular and if you can get your hands on a note, you may have a treasure on your hands.

Chinese paper money was originally called “Flying Money” because it was so light, and if the owner did not hold on to it, it could easily blow away. The first notes were made from very delicate paper and they were used almost like IOUs. The owner would write down on the note what they were willing to pay for something, and the recipient could then take that to the bank to cash it. This bank draft system is very similar to our own checking system now.

Chinese paper money changed slightly when the Mongols took over. Instead of paper, the notes were then produced from silk and they were backed by a silk standard, much like the gold standard that would later be used in the Western hemisphere. This was a new idea, and in order to use the notes, the owner would have to actually deposit a set amount of silk yarn in the bank.

The silk form of Chinese paper money endured, and was used throughout the world. It has been discovered in far flung parts of the world by archeologists, but it is very rare to find any that are available to private collectors. After this period in Chinese history, the Ming Dynasty changed the currency, moving back towards paper.

The main problem they faced with this new Chinese paper money was that there was only one set denomination. This forced many to rely on coins since the notes were hard to use for smaller purchases. Due to these problems, paper money actually fell out of use and inflation rose. It wasn’t until modern times that paper money would return and become widespread.

We can thank the Chinese for our current paper money system and their innovations which are centuries old are still in use today. Collectors of Chinese paper money will typically be able to find notes for sale from other private collectors or at auctions. The advent of the internet made it easier to locate many of these notes and business is booming on online auction sites.

For those interested in collecting Chinese paper money, it is best to find notes that are in good condition. The most common are the ones from the Ming Dynasty period, but every once in awhile you can find older notes. The paper is very thin, so these notes should be treated with extreme care and sealed off from air and dust. They are an important part of monetary collectibles and should be treasured as such by collectors.

Originally posted 2008-09-29 14:00:46. Republished by Old Post Promoter

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Antiques -> Asian -> Chinese

If you are interested in a unique Asian collectible that is sure to get plenty of discussions going, antique Chinese parrots are an excellent choice. These delightful decorative collectibles come in many different shapes and styles and many are vibrantly colored and well designed. Most antique Chinese parrots are hand painted and very detailed works of art that can enhance any personal collection. Before you start collecting antique parrots, here is what you need to know.

1. Authenticity is key

While decorative collectibles are fun to look at it, if you’re in this business to acquire valuable pieces of art, authenticity is definitely key. There are a lot of mass produced collectibles out there that are pretty, but have no value above their sticker price. When you want to buy authentic antique Chinese collectibles, make sure that they are authentic. You can do this by hiring an appraiser, or by looking for special maker’s marks on the bottom of the piece.

Condition is important

Chipped or cracked collectibles instantly lose their value. If you are buying an antique Chinese parrot online, make sure that the seller provides you with many different pictures that cover all the angles of the piece. If you can’t see the item well, ask for a clearer picture. This is the best way to make sure that you are getting a piece that is in good condition. If you are shopping in person, hold the piece up the light and take the time to really examine it. This can mean the difference between a collectible that is worth thousands, or one that is worth $5.

Look for certain eras

Antique Chinese parrots were more popular during some eras in Chinese history than others. It pays to do your research on the different dynasties and learn how the various parrots were produced during each era. This will help you build a collection that is either based around design similarity or that is based by era. If you are serious about building a specific collection around a dynasty, this is a very important step to take.

Look for fading paint

This is natural, especially with older antique Chinese parrots, but it can have an impact on the overall value of the piece. Ideally, you should be looking for one that is in near perfect condition. One of the easiest ways to tell the age of a piece is to look for how worn the paint is. This is probably the one time where the condition may not count against the piece. If there is a small area of worn paint, that should not impact the value too much. However, a piece that is very faded may need to be restored. This can have an adverse effect on the value.

Collecting antique Chinese parrots can be fun and educational. These brightly colored pieces have a lot of history and are at home in any place or private collection where antiques are appreciated and loved.

Originally posted 2008-10-03 05:00:18. Republished by Old Post Promoter

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