Chinese archaeologists have proved that the ancient Zhaolun Mint Ruins, which was discovered recently in Shaanxi Province, were the national mint for the period of the Western Han Dynasty (BC 206-24).

Covering an area of 900,000 square meters (about 1.1 million square yards), the ruins are located in Huxian County and were found at the end of 2001.

Besides abundant ancient coins and structural units, a lot of pottery molds of 13 types of Wuzhu coin, which was the common currency in wide circulation during the dynasty, were unearthed at the site.

According to an archaeologist, the massive mint size and various molds indicate that the ruins were an official mint with a massive capacity and advanced coinage technology.

The discovery will provide valuable clues for the study of ancient economic development and mint technology.

(eastday.com March 8, 2002)