FEATURES
99.99% pure silver
5oz Rimless Antiqued Coin
Tuvalu legal tender
Extremely limited mintage of 388
Beautiful presentation packaging
Numbered Certificate of Authenticity
Ancient China advanced humanity with innumerable inventions, from paper making to rockets.
Driven by imaginative and original thinking, its innovative problem solving changed the world in
many ways.
Shipbuilding
China was one of the first builders of ocean-going ships for trade, exploration and military use.
Important advances attributed to Chinese shipbuilders include the sternpost rudder and
watertight bulkhead, pre-requisites for manoeuvrability of large ships and safety of men and cargo
on the high seas. During the 15th century, China constructed an expeditionary fleet comprising
hundreds of large vessels, including ‘Treasure Ships’ said to be more than 400 feet in length, with
multiple masts, and luxurious staterooms. Unparalleled in maritime history, the fleet extended
Chinese trade and influence across the Indian Ocean region.
Kite Flying
Invented in China more than 2,000 years ago, kites made from wood and fabric served useful military
applications - like measuring distances between opposing armies. Large kites were capable of lifting
men so they could observe enemy movements. The art of kite flying burgeoned with lighter
construction materials including split bamboo, silk and paper, while whistles were attached to make
musical sounds. Interest in traditional kites remains strong. Made in the shape of animals and other
cultural icons, their decorative colours symbolising good luck and happiness, they are often seen
soaring brightly in Chinese skies.
Gunpowder
In their quest for an elixir offering immortality, ninth century Chinese alchemists instead discovered
gunpowder. According to one account of an early experiment, the incendiary substance burned
down the house of those conducting trials. Over time, the formula evolved into precise ratios of
saltpetre, sulphur, and charcoal. Knowledge of its explosive powers led to the development of
fireworks - their bangs were believed to scare away evil spirits. Although far from the intention of
its inventors, gunpowder was also harnessed in ancient Chinese weaponry, including fire arrows,
and early bombs, rockets and cannons.
Seismograph
The first seismograph for detecting distant earthquakes was the work of brilliant polymath Zhang
Heng. Created in 132 AD, the urn-like device featured eight external tubes in the shape of Chinese
dragons, under which sat eight toad-shaped receptacles. Even though we are not entirely certain
how it worked, it’s thought that during a seismic event an internal pendulum triggered a bronze ball
to drop from one of the dragons into the mouth of the toad directly facing the tremors. Remarkably,
it was reported to have detected an earthquake 1,000 km away that could not be felt at the location
of the legendary invention.
Compass
A precursor of the compass was used by Chinese geomancers some 2,500 years ago. Known as a
‘south-governor’, it featured a spoon-shaped pointer made from loadstone which naturally aligned
with Earth’s magnetic field. In feng shui practice, it balanced on a bronze plate engraved with
symbols used in divination. By the 11th century, the Chinese had learned how to magnetise needles,
which could be floated on water or suspended on silk thread. In 1088, astronomer and
mathematician Shen Kuo was the first to describe the magnetic needle compass which became a
common navigational tool on Chinese ships
The coin features four scenes incorporating coloured depictions of a Chinese ship, kites, a
seismograph, and a cannon. In the central design square, which occupies the position of the squareshaped
hole in ancient Chinese ban liang coins, the coin features a three-dimensional representation
of a spoon-shaped lodestone on an engraved plate. Also included in the design are the inscriptions
‘SHIPBUILDING’, ‘KITE FLYING’, ‘SEISMOGRAPH’, and ‘GUNPOWDER’.
The obverse depicts the Jody Clark effigy of His Majesty King Charles III, and the coin’s weight, purity,
monetary denomination, and year-date.
No more than 388 of the Ancient Chinese Inventions 2024 5oz Silver Antiqued Coloured Coin will
be released.
PRESENTATION
Each coin is housed in a classic display case within an illustrated shipper and
accompanied by a numbered Certificate of Authenticity.
