A sensational report claims archaeologists excavated 10 tons of coins in a 2,000-year-old tomb, making it one of the largest hoards ever found. This claim is, in fact, true, although the weight of the hoard is slightly less than initially reported. In a groundbreaking excavation in China, archaeologists uncovered a massive burial complex believed to belong to Liu He, the grandson of a Han Dynasty emperor. Among the staggering number of artifacts, which included gold, bronze, and iron items, was a trove of two million copper coins, which weighed approximately two tons.

The sheer scale of the discovery is what makes it so significant. The two million copper wuzhu coins, each with a distinctive square hole in the center, were likely intended to provide the deceased with a lavish fortune in the afterlife. The massive hoard also sheds light on the economic and social systems of the era. The coins were often strung together in groups of a thousand for ease of transport, a practice that is now better understood thanks to this complete, undisturbed find.

This monumental discovery is more than just a historical curiosity; it is a critical piece of the puzzle of ancient Chinese history. The hoard provides archaeologists and numismatists with a wealth of data on monetary circulation, manufacturing techniques, and the economic life of the Han Dynasty. The find underscores the deep-seated belief in the importance of providing for the afterlife and the lengths to which ancient nobility would go to ensure their comfort in the next world.