





The design of the coin is illustrative and may differ from the final result.
5 oz Ag 999
The design of the coin is illustrative and may differ from the final result.
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This 5-ounce silver coin commemorates Ancient Chinese Inventions, showcasing remarkable achievements in technology and culture. The coin features vibrant colors, high-relief design, and an antique finish. It is packaged in a thematic box and includes a Certificate of Authenticity. Limited edition – only 388 pieces worldwide.
Shipbuilding
China was one of the first countries to build ocean-going ships for trade, exploration, and military purposes. Significant achievements attributed to Chinese shipbuilders include the rear rudder and watertight bulkheads, which were essential for maneuvering large ships and ensuring the safety of people and cargo on open seas. In the 15th century, China built an expeditionary fleet consisting of hundreds of large vessels, including the so-called "Treasure Ships," reportedly over 400 feet long, with multiple masts and luxurious cabins. This unparalleled fleet in the history of navigation expanded Chinese trade and influence across the Indian Ocean.
Kite Flying
Invented in China more than 2,000 years ago, kites made of wood and fabric had practical military applications, such as measuring the distance between enemy armies. Large kites could carry people who could observe enemy movements. The art of kite flying flourished with lightweight building materials like split bamboo, silk, and paper, and flutes were added to the kites to create musical sounds. Interest in traditional kites remains strong. Crafted in the shape of animals and other cultural icons, their decorative colors symbolize good fortune and prosperity, and they can often be seen soaring high in the Chinese sky.
Gunpowder
In the search for an elixir of immortality, 9th-century Chinese alchemists discovered gunpowder. According to one early experiment, the flammable substance set fire to the house of those conducting the tests. Over time, the formula evolved into precise proportions of saltpeter, sulfur, and charcoal. Knowledge of its explosive properties led to the development of fireworks—whose explosions were believed to ward off evil spirits. Far from the original intentions of its inventors, gunpowder found its place in ancient Chinese weapons, including fire arrows, early bombs, rockets, and cannons.
Seismoscope
The first seismoscope for detecting distant earthquakes was the work of the brilliant polymath Zhang Heng. Created in 132 AD, the device resembled a urn with eight outer tubes shaped like Chinese dragons, beneath which were containers shaped like toads. While we are not entirely sure how it worked, it is believed that during a seismic event, the inner mechanism triggered a falling bronze ball that landed in the mouth of a toad positioned opposite the vibrations. Interestingly, the device was capable of detecting an earthquake up to 1,000 kilometers away, which was not felt at the location where this legendary invention originated.
Compass
The predecessor of the compass was used by Chinese geomancers about 2,500 years ago. Known as the "Southern Ruler," it had a spoon-shaped pointer made from magnetized material that naturally aligned with Earth's magnetic field. In feng shui practice, it balanced on a copper plate with engraved symbols used in divination. In the 11th century, the Chinese learned to magnetize needles, which could be suspended on water or hung from a silk thread. In 1088, astronomer and mathematician Shen Kuo was the first to describe the magnetic compass with a needle, which became a common navigational tool on Chinese ships.
The coin depicts four scenes with colorful representations of a Chinese ship, kites, the seismoscope, and a cannon. In the central square, which takes the place of the square hole in ancient Chinese Ban Liang coins, there is a three-dimensional representation of a spoon-shaped magnetic stone on an engraved plate. The design also includes the inscriptions "SHIPBUILDING," "KITE FLYING," "SEISMOSCOPE," and "GUNPOWDER."