The coin was made in China, Chou Dynasty, 544 BC - 519 BC (possibly during the reign of Emperor Chin Wang)

Jing Wang (King Jing of Zhou) was named Gui Ji, he was the 12th sovereign of the Eastern Zhou dynasty (770 - 221 BCE) and was the 24th King of the Zhou dynasty (1100 - 221 BCE, including the Western Zhou and the Eastern Zhou). During his reign, he ordered to cast a new type of currency, which is known as "Bao Huo" (precious coin). According to the history documents. Bao Huo has been hardly seen since Han dynasty (206 BCE - 220 AD), and people used to believe that it should be a round bronze coin.

Reference:
http://baike.baidu.com/view/1552530.htm
http://baike.soso.com/v638159.htm
http://www.gbscw.com/18051.html
http://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E5%91%A8%E6%99%AF%E7%8E%8B

Coin, round money (cash), 'Bao Huo'' (precious coin), bronze, Luoyang, Henan Province, China, Eastern Zhou dynasty, 544 - 519 BCE (King Jing of Zhou).

Round bronze coin with square hole in centre. Roughly casted, has got thinck patina on the surface. Two Chinese characters inscribed on the front side of the coin: "Bao Huo" (precious coin).

Made: China; 544 - 519

Chinese inscription "Bao Huo" (precious coin) on front.

N7169

544 - 519

1 mm

30 mm