339, Lot: 495. Estimate $100. Sold for $120. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

CHINA, Xīn dynasty. Wáng Măng. AD 7/9-23. Æ ‘Biscuit’ Huoquan (30mm, 23.40 g). Fourth currency reform, AD 14-23 . Huo Quan in archaizing zhuànshū Hànzì (seal script) characters / Blank. Cf. BN Chinoises II 516-9; Hartill 9.60. Fine, green patina.

From the J.P. Righetti Collection.

These enigmatic, extra-thick “biscuit” coins are found in a wide variety of weights. Though initially assumed to be funeral coins, none have been found in tombs and their original purpose remains a mystery.