The currency of Qi during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States Period was the Qi knife.

The Qi knife was a form of currency minted by the state of Qi. Famous for its heavy and fine appearance, this currency usually had the basic form of a pointed head, curved back, and concave blade. The knife often ended in a circle, and the blade may have been engraved with writing or decorative motifs.

As a form of currency, the Qi knife circulated and was used as a medium of exchange in Qi. It was usually made of bronze or iron and had a certain weight and value. These knife coins may have been inscribed on the body of the knife, recording the mint, the place of minting, the year, or other relevant information. These inscriptions not only provide proof of currency circulation, but also provide valuable information for historical researchers.

The forms and decorations of Qi knife coins may vary somewhat, but they are generally based on the shape of a knife and are well-made. The artistic style and craftsmanship of these knife coins reflect the cultural level and minting technology of Qi at that time.

Ancient Currency Introduction:

1. Shell Coin

One of the earliest forms of money in ancient times, shells were used as currency. The value of the shells was expressed through their quantity and quality, and they were widely circulated in ancient societies.

2. Gold and Silver Coins

Gold and silver were used to make money, such as the ancient gold rounds and silver taels. These gold and silver coins were usually engraved with the monarch's head, motifs or chronicles on the face of the coin, representing political and economic authority.

3. Square Hole Coins

The square hole coins, which first appeared in the Shang Dynasty, had the shape of a square center hole, and were mainly used for easy threading and stringing for storage and use. With the passage of time, square-hole money gradually evolved into round and other shapes, becoming one of the most important currencies in ancient China.

4. Silk and silk

In some ancient countries, such as the Qin and Han, silk and fine linen were used as trade and payment currencies. The length and quality of silk were used to calculate their value.

5. Coin

The term refers to round or coin-like money made of metal. In ancient China, copper coins were one of the main coins. They usually had an obverse and a reverse, with the obverse engraved with the head of the monarch, characters or ornaments, while the reverse might be engraved with the face value of the currency or other relevant information.

6. Knife Coins

Knife-shaped coins in some regions, such as the Qi knife coins of the Qi state, were shaped like the blade of a knife, with characters or decorations engraved on the blade. Knife coins were mainly used to be minted in large quantities by the regime of the time to meet the demand for circulation.