Bengkulu (ANTARA News) - Local residents in Central Bengkulu district, Bengkulu province, Sumatra Island, found a jar containing ancient Chinese bronze coins that might date back 300 to 600 years, according to an official here Tuesday.

"The jar, containing 30,500 ancient Chinese coins, weighs nearly 1 kg. They found the coins while digging a ditch," said Bengkulu Museum Curator, Muhardi.

He said the coins were circulated in China from the 14th to the 17th century. The coins will become part of a museum collection, Muhardi said.

Indonesians usually referred to such coins as "uang kepeng", and people in Bali also use them as part of an offering or in other ceremonies.
(I025/INE)

Editor: Ella Syafputri
Copyright © ANTARA 2012