53, Lot: 147. Estimate $100. Sold for $62. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

CHINA. First Millenium BC. Æ 103x29mm (16.38 gm). "Fish Money." Uninscribed fish shape in relief, with eye hole, raised sensory line at side, dorsal and ventral fins, and tail / Flat fish shape. Schjöth -; Jen 6. Nice VF, brown and green patina with some earthen encrustation. ($100)

Whether ornament or money, this item deserves to be included in the study of Chinese monetary history. Jen informs us that the (word) fish was a "homonym of the word prosperity", and compares this piece with the well-known Dolphin money of Olbia. The extent of its use as money remains unknown, but as Jen points out, it would undoubtedly have been accepted as a trade item.