Ancient Chinese Coin Unearthed in Northern Territory

A HISTORIC Chinese coin from the Ch'ing Dynasty has been discovered in an archeological dig in the heart of Darwin.

The excavation began in a vacant lot behind the building in the city centre on September 22, ahead of the lot's redevelopment.

Constructed in the 1880s, the building is testament to the establishment and expansion of the Chinese community in the Northern Territory. It is the only building associated with Darwin's 19th century Chinatown which still survives today. 

Heritage officer Patrician Bourke, from the Department of Natural Resources, Environment, The Arts and Sport (NRETAS), said the dig aimed to unearth evidence of those who used to live at the site, and how they lived. Among the historical gems buried in the soil was a Chinese coin that Dr Bourke said most likely originated from the Ch'ing Dynasty (1644-1911). There was also an Australian penny from 1921, four Chinese medicine vials and various buttons and beads. A pearl shell and metal pieces that may have belonged to a soldier's buckle and casing for bomb storage were included in the find.

One of the most exciting finds so far has been a well that was located with help from the Chin family, who were owners of the building for many years, said Dr Bourke. The well is a reminder of a time when there was no reticulated water in Darwin and residents relied on wells for drinking water. We excavated the well down to a depth of about four metres, bringing up many artefacts, including whole bottles and we're still sorting through the spoil.

Dr Bourke said the archeological investigation would add to information about Darwin's early development, with the information used to elaborate on existing interpretations of history. The fieldwork is expected to be finalised by the end of November.

Courtesy of AAP 06 Nov 2008.