In the Western Han Dynasty, one catty of gold could only be exchanged for three catties of silver; During the Wei and Jin Dynasties, one catty of gold could be exchanged for ten catties of silver. In the Northern Song Dynasty, one catty of gold could be exchanged for thirteen catties of silver; On the eve of the Opium War, one catty of gold could be exchanged for thirty catties of silver.
Businessmen's profit-seeking behavior resulted in the flow of gold from east to west and silver from west to east, which led to a great decrease in gold and a great increase in silver in China. Because of the inconvenient transportation in ancient times, the international price difference of goods was greater than that of gold and silver, and businessmen were willing to sell exotic goods from various countries with greater profits, instead of gold and silver.
Extended data
commutation relation
The exchange ratio between copper coins, silver and gold, just like the current foreign exchange price, is constantly changing, unlike 1 yuan is equal to 100. According to the following description:
"The price of gold and silver rose from 1600 to 1: 8 in the middle and late 20th century, and doubled to 1: 20 by the end of 18."
It is known that 1 gold can be exchanged for about 8~ 1 1 silver. Once again:
"In the early years of Daoguang, one or two pieces of silver were exchanged for money, that is, one thousand articles; By the time of the Opium War in the 20th year of Daoguang, one or two pieces of silver could be exchanged for sixteen thousand seven hundred pieces of silver. Since Xianfeng, the price of silver has soared, and one or two pieces of silver can be exchanged for as much as 22,300 pieces of silver. "
It is known that under normal circumstances, 1 silver can be exchanged for about 1000~ 1500 copper. Ancient 1 penetration money or 1 hanging money was 1000 copper coins.