Yi Dao Ping Wu Qian Knife Coin (AD 9–23, China)

A bold reform under Wang Mang’s short reign: this knife-shaped coin, inlaid with gold, was valued at 5,000 copper coins. It represents an early attempt to redefine value by decree rather than tradition. Although finely crafted, the reforms collapsed quickly, proving that monetary trust requires more than design — it must be anchored in stable governance and accepted practice.