Ancient coin exhibition opens to public

A total of 128 coins from ancient states along the Silk Road were on display Tuesday at central China's Henan Numismatic Museum.

The coins, some of which date back more than 2,800 years, were originally traded from 90-plus ancient states along the Silk Road. They were all unearthed in China and stored by museums and private collectors in cities such as Beijing and Xi'an.

According to Chen Wei, the curator of the museum, gold coins from an Arab empire were found in a tomb in Luoyang City. Additionally, foreign characters were discovered on coins from the Han Dynasty (202 BC to 220 AD).

"They are proof that China and ancient states along the Silk Road already had economic and trade exchanges thousands of years ago," said Chen.

"The exhibition is also meant to help make the public better understand the Belt and Road Initiative and the important role of currency in international trade," said Xu Nuojin, head of the Zhengzhou central sub-branch of the People's Bank of China, which owns of the museum.

The exhibition will last till August 31.