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weight

量目　—　Measuring

The mass of a single coin.

Ban liang coin Ban liang coinQin Kaiyuan Tongbao Kaiyuan TongbaoTang, first cast 621 Silver sycee (31st year of Jiajing) Silver sycee (31st year of Jiajing)Ming, 1552
A photograph of the real thing this term names.

Of the three metrics for a coin, this is the first to be measured. Anyone with a scale can measure it, so even if the inscription is illegible or the design is unrecognizable, the weight can still be determined.

Even if the weight is the same, the amount of precious metal contained is not necessarily the same. This is where fineness becomes necessary.

References

  • The Trial of the Pyx — The Royal Mint Museum　An independent inspection continuing since 1282. Samples are checked for weight in aggregate and individually, fineness is analyzed by comparison with standard trial plates, and diameter is also measured. It has continued for over 740 years. Conducted by the Goldsmiths' Company and presided over by the King's Remembrancer.

Only works and primary sources whose existence has been verified are listed.