2024 5oz Chinese Ancient Inventions Silver Antiqued Coloured Coin

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.

Silver Content (Troy oz) 5

Monetary Denomination (TVD) 5

Fineness (% purity) 99.99

Minimum Gross Weight (g) 155.533

Maximum Diameter (mm) 55.90

Maximum Thickness (mm) 8.50

Maximum Mintage 388

Designer Natasha Muhl