Wu Zhu

The Wu Zhu coin's inscription, meaning "five zhu" in reference to its weight, remained unchanged for centuries, making it one of the longest-serving designs in numismatic history.

Cast in bronze using simple molds, these coins were produced in vast numbers during the Han Dynasty, from 118 BC onward. Workers poured molten metal into impressions, creating thin, round planchets with the characters on one side and nothing on the other. No elaborate artwork here—just functionality.

Exact production figures are lost to time; ancient records burned in later conflicts. Still, archaeological digs turn up hoards of them, suggesting widespread use.

If a coin could yawn at imitators, the Wu Zhu would. Variants popped up for ages, but the original stuck around.