# knife money

> historical money of China

**Wikidata**: [Q1069036](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1069036)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knife_money)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/knife-money

## Summary
Knife money was a historical form of currency used in China, characterized by coins made of bronze or iron with a blade-like edge. It functioned as a medium of exchange and is documented in historical records, particularly in Korean and Chinese encyclopedias. The term "knife money" refers to its distinctive shape and historical significance in early Chinese and Korean monetary systems.

## Key Facts
- **Definition**: A historical Chinese currency consisting of bronze or iron coins with a blade-like edge, used as a medium of exchange.
- **Classification**: Subclass of `coin` and `currency`, with specific identifiers in Korean and Chinese encyclopedias.
- **Historical Documentation**: Mentioned in the *Encyclopedia of Korean Culture* (ID: E0018237) and the *Encyclopedia of China (Third Edition)* (ID: 284424).
- **Aliases**: Includes terms like *kine tao*, *kin-tao*, *jindao*, and *daobi*, reflecting its historical usage in Chinese and Korean contexts.
- **Wikipedia Presence**: Documented in 12 language editions, including Arabic, German, English, Spanish, and Japanese.
- **Commons Category**: Linked to the Wikimedia Commons category "Knife money" (references Q328).
- **Art & Architecture Thesaurus IDs**: 300264716 and 300404823, indicating its classification in art and numismatic databases.
- **Spanish Cultural Heritage Thesaurus ID**: 1186437, further classifying it in Spanish cultural records.
- **Freebase ID**: /m/027h7rh (references Q15241312, publication date 2013-10-28).
- **Namuwiki ID**: "명도전" (Korean wiki entry).
- **Image References**: Includes images of Wang Mang's knife coins and Yan State coins on Wikimedia Commons.

## FAQs
**What was knife money used for?**
Knife money was used as a medium of exchange in early Chinese and Korean monetary systems, functioning similarly to other coins of the time. Its distinctive blade-like design set it apart from standard currency.

**Where is knife money documented historically?**
Knife money is documented in the *Encyclopedia of Korean Culture* (ID: E0018237) and the *Encyclopedia of China (Third Edition)* (ID: 284424), highlighting its historical significance.

**What materials were knife money coins made of?**
Knife money coins were typically made of bronze or iron, with a blade-like edge, distinguishing them from other forms of currency.

**How many languages has knife money been documented in?**
Knife money has been documented in 12 language editions of Wikipedia, including Arabic, German, English, Spanish, and Japanese.

**What are some of the aliases for knife money?**
Knife money is also referred to as *kine tao*, *kin-tao*, *jindao*, *daobi*, and other similar terms in historical records.

## Why It Matters
Knife money holds historical significance as an early form of Chinese and Korean currency, reflecting the evolution of monetary systems in ancient societies. Its distinctive design and usage provide insights into the economic and cultural practices of the time. Documented in major encyclopedias and art databases, knife money serves as a key example of numismatic innovation in early China and Korea. Its classification in cultural thesauri underscores its importance in the study of historical finance and trade.

## Notable For
- **Distinctive Design**: Knife money is notable for its blade-like edge, setting it apart from other coins of its era.
- **Historical Documentation**: Documented in both Korean and Chinese encyclopedias, including the *Encyclopedia of Korean Culture* and the *Encyclopedia of China (Third Edition)*.
- **Art & Architecture Thesaurus Classification**: Includes IDs 300264716 and 300404823, indicating its classification in specialized art databases.
- **Spanish Cultural Heritage Thesaurus ID**: 1186437, further classifying it in Spanish cultural records.
- **Wikipedia Presence**: Documented in 12 language editions, reflecting its broad historical interest.
- **Image References**: Includes notable images of Wang Mang's knife coins and Yan State coins on Wikimedia Commons.

## Body
### Historical Context
Knife money was a form of historical Chinese currency, characterized by its distinctive blade-like design. It was used as a medium of exchange in early Chinese and Korean monetary systems, reflecting the evolution of currency in ancient societies. The term "knife money" refers to its unique shape and historical significance, documented in major encyclopedias and art databases.

### Classification and Documentation
Knife money is classified as a subclass of `coin` and `currency`, with specific identifiers in Korean and Chinese encyclopedias. It is mentioned in the *Encyclopedia of Korean Culture* (ID: E0018237) and the *Encyclopedia of China (Third Edition)* (ID: 284424), highlighting its historical importance. The term is also linked to the Wikimedia Commons category "Knife money" (references Q328), further documenting its visual representation.

### Aliases and Terminology
Knife money is known by various aliases, including *kine tao*, *kin-tao*, *jindao*, *daobi*, and other similar terms. These aliases reflect its historical usage in Chinese and Korean contexts, providing additional context for its study. The term is also documented in 12 language editions of Wikipedia, including Arabic, German, English, Spanish, and Japanese, indicating its broad historical interest.

### Artistic and Cultural Significance
Knife money is notable for its distinctive design and classification in art and architecture databases. It includes Art & Architecture Thesaurus IDs 300264716 and 300404823, indicating its classification in specialized art databases. Additionally, it is classified in the Spanish Cultural Heritage Thesaurus under ID 1186437, further emphasizing its cultural significance. The term is also linked to notable images of Wang Mang's knife coins and Yan State coins on Wikimedia Commons, providing visual documentation of its historical form.

### Digital and Scholarly References
Knife money is referenced in digital platforms and scholarly databases, including Freebase (ID: /m/027h7rh) and Namuwiki (ID: "명도전"). These references provide additional context for its historical usage and classification. The term is also linked to the Spanish Cultural Heritage Thesaurus, further documenting its cultural significance. Knife money's presence in multiple language editions of Wikipedia underscores its broad historical interest and relevance.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013