Ancient Han tomb yields nearly two million coins and a massive gold hoard

In Jiangxi Province, researchers uncovered the Tomb of the Marquis of Haihun, the final resting place of Liu He, who briefly ruled China in 74 BC. The site came to light after villagers reported a deep tunnel near Guodun Mountain, prompting a five-year rescue excavation overseen by one outlet Cultural Heritage Administration. Inside, archaeologists recovered an unprecedented hoard of nearly two million bronze wu-zhu coins and between 115 and 120 kilograms of gold spread across about 480 items, including ingots, plaques and cakes.

A bronze dressing mirror featuring a possible early portrait of Confucius and thousands of bamboo manuscripts of the Analects, Book of Songs and other classics were also found. Outside the main chamber, a horse-and-chariot burial pit—unique for being south of the Yangtze—was documented. The discovery reshapes understanding of Liu He’s legacy and offers a rare, intact glimpse into Western Han elite burial practices, economy and intellectual life.