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Coin-sword
Coin-sword
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A Chinese coin sword-shaped talisman made from Qing dynasty era cash coins on display at the Museum of Ethnography, Sweden

Coin-swords (alternatively spelt as coin swords), or cash-swords, are a type of Chinese numismatic charms that are a form of feng shui talisman that were primarily used in southern China to ward off evil spirits and malicious influences, especially those inducing fever.[1] These coin-swords are also often used in Taoist rituals. Coin-swords are considered an "evil-warding sword" (Chinese: 避邪劍; pinyin: bì xié jiàn) in China.[2]

Coin-swords usually consist of Qing dynasty era cash coins, specifically from the Kangxi and Qianlong eras, but may also be made from older cash coins.

Coin-swords were also often used by overseas Chinese communities, such as those living in the United States or in Canada, during the 19th and early 20th centuries and merchants and individuals would often purchase cash coins to bring them to these overseas communities to make them into wedding gifts.[3] Coin swords were commonly given to newlyweds to hang over the marriage bed as a means to insure bliss and harmony.[4][3] These coin-swords are typically an approximate length of 35 cm to 50 cm and require a minimum of 50 coins to make, while the older, larger, and more elaborately decorated coin-swords would typically contain around 150 cash coins.[3]

Names

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In Mandarin Chinese, coin-swords are known by various names such as simplified Chinese: 辟邪剑; traditional Chinese: 辟邪劍; pinyin: bixiejian; trans. "evil-averting sword" (of which they are a sub-type), qianjian (钱剑; 錢劍; "coin-sword"), guqianjian (古钱剑; 古錢劍; "ancient coin-sword"), and tongqianjian (铜钱剑; 銅錢劍; "copper coin-sword").[5]

Composition of coin-swords

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Chinese coin-swords generally consist of either one or two iron rods as a foundation with real or replica Chinese cash coins fastened together with a string, a cord, or a wire which are usually coloured red.[6][7] While the thread is usually red, it may sometimes also be yellow or gold as these are considered to be the colours of royalty.[2]

Coin-swords generally consist of:

  • 18 Chinese cash coins located on the surface of the coin-blade that is 3 cash coins thick.[2]
  • 5 Chinese cash coins on each side of the hilt that is usually 3 coins thick.[2]
  • 6 Chinese cash coins from the hilt to the butt of the handle that is usually 3 cash coins thick.[2]
  • 1 Chinese cash coin on each side of the handle butt that is usually 3 cash coins thick.[2]

A typical Chinese coin-sword is about 0.6 meter, or about 2 feet in the imperial system of units, long and consists of around one hundred copper-alloy Chinese cash coins.[7] In superstition it is usually considered better for all the Chinese cash coins strung together in the coin-sword to have been produced during the reign of only a single Chinese emperor,[7] and may not be mixed with cash coins from other dynasties.[2] Ancient Chinese cash coins are also generally preferred over more modern ones.[6]

Coin-swords are constructed out of three different kinds of things, each of which is regarded as a preventive of evil spirits in feng shui.[6]

Uses in feng shui

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A popular way sword symbolism in integrated in Chinese numismatic talismans is by stringing actual or replicas of cash coins into a sword-shape.[7] In feng shui, these coin-swords are often hung to frighten away demons and evil spirits.[7] Coin-swords are frequently hung above the bed, on residential walls, on the front and the outside of the bridal bed-curtain, or above the windows of a building.[7][6] It is believed that evil spirits would not dare molest the residents of the house where the coin-sword hangs because the sword resembles that wielded by the Taoist immortal Zhong Kui, who in Chinese mythology is famous for being a slayer of evil demons.[7] Most Chinese coin-swords consist of Qianlong Tongbao (乾隆通寳) cash coins.[6]

The supposed powers of coin-swords do not come from the associated wealth symbolism that usually comes with cash coins.[2] But with the design form of the cash coins used to make the sword, as well as the dynastic origins of the cash coins that carry the Emperor's reign era title.[2] As such, in feng shui the supposed power of the coin-swords will depend heavily on which Chinese emperor's inscription is written down on the cash coins.[2]

About the time of a woman's confinement after her marriage, a coin-sword is sometimes taken to be hung inside of the bridal bed-curtain, usually in a position that is parallel to the horizon.[6]

Coin-swords made from Qing dynasty cash coins with the inscription Kangxi Tongbao (康熙通寶) are considered to be the most effective, this is because the reign of the Kangxi Emperor of the Qing dynasty lasted an entire 60-year cycle of the Chinese calendar and thus according to feng shui cash coins with this inscription represent "longevity".[7] These cash coins are furthermore preferred because the name "Kangxi" means "good health" and "prosperity".[6]

Uses in Taoist rituals

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Share K. Lew, a Taoist monk trained at the White Cloud Monastery near Beijing who moved to San Diego, California, explains that coin-swords are commonly used among overseas Chinese Taoist monks as a substitute for the traditional sandalwood swords used in China.[3] These sandalwood swords are used to ward off ghosts and evil spirits and coin-swords fulfil the same purpose in overseas Chinese Taoist rituals.[3] This is as sandalwood swords are difficult to obtain outside of China.[3]

Sword symbolism in Chinese numismatic charms

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A modern coin-sword made from replicas of Qing dynasty cash coins in Winschoten, Groningen

True Chinese numismatic charms and amulets did not begin to appear in China until sometime during the Han dynasty and the sword, or frequently a pair of swords, as objects invested with power became frequently seen symbols in Chinese numismatic charms from this time on.[7]

Swords are a common theme on Chinese numismatic charms, and coins were often assembled into sword-shaped talismans. Most Chinese numismatic charms that feature swords often show a single sword.[7] According to Chinese legends, the first swords in China appeared under the reign of the legendary Yellow Emperor. During the Spring and Autumn period, the notion developed that swords could be used against evil spirits and demons.[7] Under the Liu Song dynasty swords became a common instrument in religious rituals, most particularly in Taoist rituals; according to the Daoist Rituals of the Mystery Cavern and Numinous Treasure (洞玄靈寶道學科儀) it was essential for students of Taoism to be able to forge swords which had the capability to dispel demonic entities.[7] Many Taoist sects formed during this period believed that swords could defeat demons and also contained medical properties. Under the Sui and Tang dynasties ritualistic swords constructed of peach wood started to appear. Around this time, Chinese amulets with sword themes began to be produced; often these amulets resembled Chinese cash coins but had crossed swords decorated with ribbons or fillets on them, as the ancient Chinese believed that these items enhanced the powers of the item they were tied to.[7] Chinese swords were commonly engraved with imagery representing the Big Dipper, which was believed to have unlimited magical power, and this also became common for charms that featured swords.[7]

The image of two swords on Chinese amulets stems from a legend where Taoist leader Zhang Daoling saw Laozi appear to him on a mountain in present-day Sichuan and gave him two swords. Alternatively, two swords can also represent two dragons from a legend where a man named Lei Huan (雷煥) received two swords and gave one to his son Lei Hua (雷華), who lost it in a river; a servant tasked with retrieving it witnessed two coiled and entwined Chinese dragons.[8][7]

Chinese talismans of swordsmen usually depict one of the Taoist immortals Zhong Kui or Lu Dongbin.[9] Swordsmen also appear on zodiac charms, Bagua charms, elephant chess pieces, lock charms, and other Chinese numismatic charms. Another person who appears on Chinese amulets is Zhenwu, who is regarded as the perfect warrior.[10][11][7]

Taoist priests use coin-swords because of this symbolism for rituals for ridding evil, a red cloth is then wrapped on the hilt of the sword.[2] Taoist priests can also sometimes use a peach wood sword as an alternative to coin-swords.[2]

Coin-swords in Western museums

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Coin-swords can be found in the collections of various museums across the Western world such as the British Museum in London (UK), the Durham University Archaeology Laboratory Collection (UK), the National Museum of American History (US), the National Museum of Scotland (UK), Horniman Museum and Gardens (UK), the Science Museum in London (UK), among a large number of other museums.[5]

References

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Sources

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
A coin-sword (Chinese: 辟邪剑; : bìxié jiàn), also known as a cash-sword, is a traditional Chinese shaped like a and constructed by binding ancient cash coins onto an iron rod, primarily used in southern to ward off evil spirits, negative energies, and illnesses such as fever. Originating during the (1644–1912), coin-swords draw on earlier Daoist traditions possibly dating back to the in the AD, though their popular form emerged in the 18th and 19th centuries with coins from emperors like Kangxi (1662–1722) and Qianlong (1736–1795). These talismans symbolize protection and prosperity, leveraging the square-holed design of Chinese cash coins, which represent heaven and earth in philosophy, and the sword's form, associated with the Daoist deity who vanquishes demons. Typically measuring about 2 feet in length and weighing 1–2 pounds, a coin-sword consists of 80 to 119 or copper-alloy coins—often from a single emperor's reign for enhanced potency—strung in layers (usually three thick) along one or two iron rods, secured with red cords or wires that amplify protective energies through their auspicious color. The structure includes 18 coins on the blade, 10 on the , 6 on the , and 2 on the butt, sometimes adorned with hanging ornaments for purposes. Coins from the Kangxi era are particularly valued, as his 60-year reign aligns with the Chinese sexagenary cycle, symbolizing health, longevity, and completeness. In practice, coin-swords are hung above sickbeds, bridal chambers, doorways, or windows in homes to repel sha chi (aggressive ) and safeguard against ghosts or malevolent forces, a custom still observed in Daoist rituals and among Chinese immigrant communities today. They are also given to newlyweds for marital harmony and protection, reflecting their role in both spiritual defense and cultural celebrations. Examples are preserved in institutions like the and Eldon House, highlighting their enduring significance in Chinese .

History and Origins

Ancient Roots and Early Development

The origins of coin-swords lie in ancient Chinese traditions of using symbolic objects for spiritual protection, with precursors emerging from prehistoric and early historical practices. In the period, approximately 2500–2000 BC, communities in regions associated with the Hongshan and Liangzhu cultures crafted into ritual weapons, including blades and daggers that were often miniature and non-functional for combat. These jade artifacts symbolized divine authority, serving as insignia for rulers during ceremonies to honor celestial and earthly forces. Certain jade daggers from this era, particularly those with perforations for suspension, functioned as personal amulets, potentially warding off malevolent influences and representing defensive obligations in contexts. While metal objects were not yet prevalent—bronze technology arrived later around 2000 BC—these early talismanic uses of durable materials laid foundational beliefs in artifacts' power to repel evil, though coin-swords as composite forms developed much later. The transition to the , beginning in the and flourishing under the (ca. 1600–1046 BC), introduced metal weapons that amplified these symbolic roles. swords and blades, cast using piece-mold techniques, were not only practical armaments but also items deposited in elite tombs to signify authority and invoke divine protection for the deceased. In the subsequent (1046–256 BC), such weapons continued as emblems of heavenly mandate, often featured in sacrificial rites to maintain cosmic order and shield against spiritual threats. During the , the emergence of early coinage provided coin-like precursors to coin-swords. Bronze spade and , alongside nascent round coins inspired by jade bi discs symbolizing the sky, appeared in ritual and economic contexts, with some bearing inscriptions evoking prosperity and protection. These objects hinted at the integration of numismatic elements into symbolic weaponry, bridging monetary and talismanic functions without yet forming structured coin-swords. Archaeological finds from the (475–221 BC) show early coin-like objects used as talismans, foreshadowing later developments in coin-swords. These artifacts demonstrate the period's experimentation with coins' protective symbolism, setting the stage for their later assembly into sword forms during imperial eras.

Evolution Through Chinese Dynasties

Legends trace sword-like talismans to the time of the (c. 2697–2597 BC), with the first notable coin-swords appearing during the (420–479 AD) as part of expanding Daoist rituals. The (206 BC–220 AD) marked a pivotal period for the development of coin-based protective artifacts, as the standardization of bronze cash coins, exemplified by the wu zhu type with its round shape and central square hole, enabled their stringing into arrangements for household safeguarding against malevolent forces. These early strung configurations laid the groundwork for more structured forms, reflecting the dynasty's broader unification of weights, measures, and currency systems. The rising prominence of following the profoundly shaped the evolution of coin-swords, transforming them from simple strung coins into ritual objects often featuring inscribed charms on the coins themselves to amplify exorcistic properties. Coin-swords constructed with bronze cash coins affixed to iron rods first became notable during the (420–479 AD), aligning with early Daoist practices that emphasized warding off spirits through symbolic weaponry. This period saw coin-swords gain traction in southern , where Taoist sects integrated them into protective lore. The Tang (618–907 AD) and (960–1279 AD) eras further influenced their development through heightened Daoist traditions. The Ming (1368–1644 AD) and Qing (1644–1912 AD) dynasties brought significant refinements to coin-sword design, incorporating antique cash coins from prior eras—often those with auspicious inscriptions—to create more intricate and layered structures, thereby elevating their status as potent anti-evil talismans. Qing examples, typically comprising 80 to 108 coins from reigns like Kangxi (1661–1722) or Qianlong (1735–1796) strung on rods with red or multicolored cords, represented the peak of popularity, symbolizing prosperity and longevity due to the emperors' long rules. These elaborate forms were prized for their perceived enhanced spiritual efficacy. With the advent of the Republican era (1912–1949), rapid modernization and the phasing out of traditional cash coins in favor of decimal currency contributed to the decline of coin-sword production and mainstream use, though they endured in rural folk traditions as cherished heirlooms and occasional protective items.

Design and Construction

Materials and Composition

Coin-swords are primarily constructed using ancient Chinese cash coins, which are typically made of copper alloys such as . These coins, featuring a round shape with a square central hole, are selected for their historical age and inscriptions believed to carry auspicious meanings, such as those from the Qing dynasty's Kangxi Tongbao (康熙通寶) or (乾隆通寶) series, where the former is particularly favored for its association with the emperor's 60-year reign symbolizing longevity. The assembly process involves piercing the coins through their square holes and threading them onto one or two iron rods that form the sword's core, creating the , , guard, and pommel in a cohesive shape. Typically, 80 to 120 coins are used per sword, arranged in multiple layers for thickness and stability, with examples including 119 coins primarily from the Qianlong era bound in two rows. The are then secured using binding materials like cords, silk threads, or metal wires, which provide durability while enhancing the talisman's symbolic protective qualities through colors like , associated with warding off . In modern reproductions, authentic ancient coins are often replaced with replicas crafted from or alloys to replicate the antique and weight, making them more accessible for contemporary decorative or use without depleting historical artifacts. These replicas maintain the traditional stringing techniques but may employ synthetic cords for longevity.

Structural Variations and Craftsmanship

Coin-swords primarily adopt a straight, double-edged jian-style form, mimicking traditional Chinese straight swords, with the blade, guard, hilt, and pommel constructed from layered coins threaded onto a central iron core. Traditional examples typically range in length from 40 to 60 cm, though variations exist, including smaller 20 cm miniatures produced for modern decorative use. Larger ceremonial or display versions, supported by dual iron rods for . Construction techniques emphasize hand-tying —often 80 to 120 in total—around the rod(s) using red, yellow, or green cords, arranged in two or three layers for rigidity and aesthetic uniformity. A common configuration includes approximately 108 , with 18 forming the , 10 the guard, 6 the , and 2 the butt, ensuring balanced proportions. The and guard frequently incorporate dangling coin clusters or small charms suspended by additional cords, enhancing the overall form without compromising the core structure. Artisanal craftsmanship in historical pieces highlights meticulous alignment and binding to conceal the iron core completely, using authentic coins from a single emperor's reign, such as Qianlong (1736–1795), for consistency. These handmade talismans reflect skilled labor, with cords knotted tightly to prevent slippage and maintain shape over time. In contrast, contemporary reproductions vary from high-quality handmade versions employing similar techniques with reproduction coins to mass-produced items featuring looser bindings and synthetic materials, often distinguishable by uneven coin placement and lighter weight.

Symbolism and Cultural Role

Sword as a Protective Symbol

In Chinese mythology, the sword emerges as a potent protective symbol, exemplified by the Xuanyuan Sword associated with the Yellow Emperor (Huangdi). This legendary weapon was employed in the epic battle against Chi You, a demonic antagonist embodying chaos and malevolent forces, thereby representing justice, order, and the slaying of demons to safeguard humanity. The Xuanyuan Sword's origins trace back to the mythical era around 2697–2597 BCE, where early metal weapons like swords were forged to combat supernatural threats, establishing the blade as a divine tool for cosmic balance and defense against evil. Within Taoist traditions, swords hold a central role as instruments for subduing ghosts (gui) and dispelling harmful sha energy, particularly in the Zhengyi sect (Celestial Masters). The sect's founder, Zhang Daoling, received two swords directly from Laozi in 142 CE to fight malevolent spirits, integrating the blade into ritual practices as a symbol of authoritative protection and exorcistic power. Taoist priests wield these swords—often engraved with star patterns, such as the seven stars of the Big Dipper—to trace magical sigils in the air during ceremonies, thereby destroying demons and invoking heavenly forces against supernatural adversities. In external alchemy (waidan), swords function as apotropaic talismans, carried to shield against demons, hostile spirits, weapons, and disturbances, underscoring their enduring role in preserving spiritual harmony. In broader , swords symbolize barriers against illness, misfortune, and threats, with their images incorporated into amulets to repel influences and promote . This protective motif extends to gender dynamics, where swords are frequently wielded by female deities and ritual figures, embodying feminine authority in invoking power over malevolent entities—such as the deified shamaness Lady Linshui (Chen Jinggu), often depicted as a warrior-shaman brandishing a in exorcisms and spirit subjugation. In coin-swords, this symbolism integrates briefly with numismatic designs to enhance warding capabilities.

Numismatic Elements and Prosperity Motifs

In coin-swords, the embedded numismatic elements draw from traditional Chinese cash coins, whose inscriptions often invoke themes of financial harmony and imperial favor. A common inscription, "tong bao" (通寶), translates to "circulating treasure," symbolizing the flow of wealth and prosperity under the emperor's auspicious rule. This phrase, first appearing on coins in 621 AD, was widely used in Qing-era examples, reinforcing the belief that such coins channel positive economic energy when incorporated into talismans. Particularly valued are the "five-emperor coins" from the , sourced from the reigns of Shunzhi, Kangxi, Yongzheng, Qianlong, and Jiaqing, selected for their association with periods of stability and reputed ability to attract luck and abundance. These coins, often prioritized in coin-sword , are seen as premium conduits for prosperity due to the emperors' long, prosperous rules—such as Kangxi's 61-year reign, whose name itself evokes and . Their inclusion amplifies the talisman's power to foster financial well-being alongside the sword's general protective function against misfortune. The dual symbolism of the coins further enhances their role, with the round outer shape representing and the square central hole denoting earth, embodying cosmic balance that strengthens the coin-sword's efficacy in rituals. This harmony is thought to integrate heavenly fortune with earthly stability, bolstering the artifact's capabilities. In cultural beliefs, stringing multiple together is said to multiply prosperity , while the sword's blade form enables the slashing away of demons, thereby safeguarding abundance.

Uses in Traditional Practices

Applications in Feng Shui

In Feng Shui practice, coin-swords are employed as protective talismans to deflect sha qi, or , particularly when positioned above doorways, beds, or windows to shield inhabitants from harmful influences. This placement is used in southern Chinese traditions to safeguard against evil spirits and malevolent forces. As a metal cure, coin-swords help harmonize the environment and promote stability by leveraging the protective symbolism of the and the prosperity motifs of the coins. For targeted remedies, they are positioned to counter aggressive sha , thereby safeguarding health and within the space.

Role in Taoist Rituals and

In Taoist rituals, the coin-sword functions as an instrument for , enabling priests to dispel evil spirits, purify sacred spaces, and sever malevolent influences. Wielded actively during ceremonies, it symbolizes the authority of Daoist deities like , the demon-queller, whose legendary inspired these implements for ridding areas of supernatural threats. A cloth is typically wrapped around the during such rites to fully activate the sword's spiritual efficacy and amplify its exorcistic properties. In specific practices, the coin-sword is employed to capture and expel ghosts, aligning with traditions where Daoist magicians use it to subdue demons and malevolent entities, thereby maintaining cosmic balance. Historical accounts from the illustrate the coin-sword's role in warding off illnesses such as fever, deployed in rituals to combat negative energies and evil spirits associated with health crises.

Preservation and Modern Legacy

Presence in Museums and Collections

Coin-swords are held in several prominent museum collections worldwide, particularly in institutions specializing in Asian art and . The in houses multiple examples from the , including a 19th-century specimen consisting of an iron rod adorned with approximately 119 cash coins primarily from the Qianlong era (1736–1795), tied with red cords and measuring 460 mm in length. Another coin-sword from the same period features 143 coins arranged along the blade, guard, handle, and pommel, with additional hanging ornaments secured by red and green strings, emphasizing the artifact's talismanic form. These were acquired through purchases in the from antiquities dealers, reflecting mid-20th-century efforts to build numismatic holdings of Chinese folk artifacts. Durham University's Oriental Museum maintains a coin-sword in its Laboratory collection, composed of 66 leaded brass coins fastened with red and yellow cords onto an iron rod, measuring 56.1 cm long and used for teaching purposes in . In the United States, the preserves a Qing-era coin-sword assembled from 80 pieces strung together, dating to 1736–1795 and highlighting the integration of numismatic elements in protective talismans. The Museum of Archaeology and holds an 18th–19th-century Qing example, a 45.7 cm sword formed by binding Chinese coins with red thread, acquired via bequest in 1904. In Western museums, coin-swords are typically displayed in sections dedicated to Asian art, , or , with interpretive labels underscoring their role in Taoist as amulets against evil spirits and illness. For instance, the has featured these artifacts in exhibitions such as "Chinese Arms and Armour" (1994–1995) and "Living with Gods" (2017–2018), contextualizing them within broader themes of ritual protection and popular beliefs. Similarly, the Museum of in exhibits a coin-sword talisman to illustrate practices and spiritual defense mechanisms. Preservation of coin-swords presents challenges due to the composite nature of their materials, particularly the of metal coins and cords exposed to fluctuating humidity and pollutants, which can lead to oxidation and structural weakening over time. Conservators, such as those at the , have addressed issues like loose by securing them with reproduction elements to maintain integrity for display. Post-2000 exhibits have also sparked broader debates on cultural , with discussions in Western institutions questioning the colonial-era acquisition paths of Chinese artifacts and advocating for collaborative stewardship with source communities. For example, as of 2023, Chinese state media has called for the return of artifacts from the , amid ongoing efforts that resulted in the of 38 cultural relics from the in April 2024.

Contemporary Depictions and Uses

In modern contexts, coin-swords continue to be crafted and employed as protective talismans in practices, often hung above beds, doors, or windows to deflect negative energy and promote prosperity. Modern artisans both in and abroad produce these items, including replicas, for spiritual purposes beyond strictly traditional rituals. Coin-swords are widely available commercially as decorative items on online platforms such as and Amazon, marketed for home protection and good fortune. Synthetic versions, typically made from or rather than antique coins, cater to tourists and general consumers seeking affordable cultural artifacts. Overseas Chinese communities maintain the use of coin-swords in homes to preserve and provide symbolic protection, echoing historical practices from the 19th and early 20th centuries in places like the and . These items are integrated into contemporary living spaces as a link to heritage amid life. Post-2020, interest in coin-swords has aligned with broader spiritual wellness movements, where they are positioned as tools for energy deflection and personal harmony in updated applications. For instance, coin sword charms are highlighted among 2025's top styles for warding off negativity in modern interiors.

References

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