← Explore on the interactive map

Song Dynasty Jiaozi Paper Money System

Type Object Region East Asia Time 1023–1127

Jiaozi was one of the world's earliest official paper currencies, originating in Sichuan's iron coin trade inconveniences and later issued by the gov…

Timeline

  1. 1111–1118Bianjing · Kaifeng CityDuring the Zhenghe era, the court established jiaozi offices in Bianjing and various circuits to issue paper money, using printed plates, vermillion seals, and codes for anti-counterfeiting, with fixed quotas redeemable in iron or copper coins, used for official salaries, military pay, and commercial tax settlement.
  2. 1115–1120Hangzhou · Hangzhou CityIn the prosperous southeastern commercial regions, jiaozi and huizi-type paper money circulated side by side; merchants settled large bulk-goods transactions in paper money, reducing coin transport costs and promoting regional market integration.

Sources