96, Lot: 208. Estimate $150. Sold for $130. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

CHINA, North Wei Dynasty. Xiao Wen Di. 471-499 AD. Æ Five Cash (17mm, 2.75 gm). Struck after 495 AD. Uniface cast coin with square hole, four chinese characters reading "Five Zhu of the Era of the Great Harmony "Tai He" (regnal title taken by Xiao Wen Di in 477 AD). Thierry 934; Fisher's Ding 600; Jen 122-123; Schjöth 237. VF, encrusted. Rare.

The first coinage of this dynasty, even though it had been in existence for over 100 years. Xiao Wen Di authorized the production of coinage, but did not make arrangements for a government mint. Therefore all of his coinage was produced by private coiners, with an immense variation in quality. Sharply cast, full weight pieces such as this specimen are rarley encountered.