The coinage and paper money of China during the last hundred years will be the subject of a symposium at the ANS on Saturday, May 6, 2000. Papers, informal talks, and display of materials on any aspect of China's twentieth-century money are invited. Those who wish to speak should communicate immediately with one of the two organizers, Dr. Michael L. Bates, Curator of Islamic Coins, or Dr. John M. Kleeberg, Curator of Modern Coins.

China's eventful recent history produced an enormous variety of numismatic material. As the century began, the Qing Empire had just begun the process of converting its traditional cast copper coinage system to a modern monetary system based on the use of mint machinery (talks on this transition are of interest for the symposium, even on late nineteenth-century events). The overthrow of the Empire and establishment of a Republic in 1912 led to the disintegration of China into provinces often controlled by autonomous warlords, each with a separate coinage and paper money. Most paper money was issued by banks, of which there were hundreds. The situation was further complicated by European control of certain territories, such as Macao, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Qingdao, and by the Japanese invasion of the northeast, creating puppet states and banks with their own currencies. Most of the nation was reunited by the Communist victory in 1949, but Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao remained separate with their own money.

There will be a $40 registration fee for all participants, including speakers. It is expected that the meeting will last all day. Lunch will be provided.