NORTHERN ZHOU: Anonymous, 557-581, AE cash (5.89g), H-13.30, wu xing da bu, lovely patina, EF, ex Dr. Allan Pacela Collection. The legend on this coin translates as "the large coin of the five elements [metal, wood, water, fire, and earth]", issued in 574 by Emperor Wu. They were intended to be worth ten Bu Quans. Illegal coining soon produced specimens of a reduced weight and the authorities banned the use of this coin in 576.
