Baijin Sanpin - Turtle

This coin is a part of the 3 unique coins minted by Han Wudi of the Western Han Dynasty as part of his monetary reform over hyperinflationary pressures, resulting from the Han-Xiongnu wars and diplomatic trade functions with the Western regions of the silk road. The set of 3 consisted of the Tortoise, Horse and Dragon coins with denominations of 300, 500 and 3000 cash coins equivalent.

According to historical records, these coins were known as Baijin Sanpin because they were supposed to be an alloy of silver and tin hence the white color. This led to the speculation that the government was actively attempting to balance the economic pressures with significant reductions of precious metal in favor of much cheaper metals like lead. Nonetheless public disapproval and widespread imitation ceased further issuance of these coins very quickly resulting in their high rarity.