Helen Wang Boeken

Focusing on the monetary systems of Eastern Central Asia up to AD 800, this study explores a rich historical period marked by diverse cultures. Relying primarily on archaeological findings, such as coins and contemporary documents, it addresses the scarcity of references in Chinese dynastic histories. The book is divided into four parts: providing background, analyzing numismatic evidence, examining documentary findings, and synthesizing this data to propose a new framework for understanding early monetary practices in the region.

The book offers a comprehensive exploration of Chairman Mao badges, which were ubiquitous during China's Cultural Revolution. It showcases the British Museum's collection of 300 badges, emphasizing their diverse materials and designs. This first English-language catalogue caters to both novices and experts, providing a narrative history alongside detailed glossaries of the badges' symbolic imagery and slogans. It aims to bridge the gap in understanding Chinese revolutionary history, making it accessible to a wider audience.

The first book to explore the history of Chinese numismatics from both Eastern and Western perspectives.