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Pre-Columbian Copper Hoe Money (Trajaderos) – Aztec Empire, Mexico

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  Lot #133  (Sale Order: 47 of 313) 
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This is a rare pair of Pre-Columbian copper hoe money pieces, known as “trajaderos”, originating from the Aztec Empire and dating to the Late Postclassic period (circa 1300–1500 A.D.). Each piece measures approximately 6 inches tall by 2.5 inches wide, and is crafted in a flattened, tool-like form from cast copper alloy. Their distinctive shape resembles agricultural implements, but these were in fact a form of standardized currency, valued for their weight and metallurgy rather than any practical function. Surfaces display a rich, aged patina with minor edge wear, consistent with their centuries-old origin. In Aztec and earlier Mesoamerican cultures, copper played an increasingly important role in trade and tribute economies. As the Aztec Empire expanded, copper trajaderos were used as a medium of exchange in markets across central Mexico, predating European-style coinage. These objects reflect the intersection of symbolic form, utility, and early monetary systems in Indigenous Mesoamerican civilizations. Often found in hoards or ritual caches, they are now highly sought after as early examples of non-Western currency systems. King Croesus is historically significant for introducing the world’s first bimetallic coinage system, striking coins in both gold and silver that set the standard for future monetary economies. Coins of Croesus represent the earliest form of standardized currency, making them highly sought after by collectors and scholars alike. This 1/3 stater denomination served both a practical and symbolic role in Lydian commerce and royal propaganda. This piece stands as a tangible link to one of antiquity's most fabled rulers and a transformative era in monetary history. A foundational coin for any serious ancient or early economy collection.

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This item is part of Militaria - Arms & Armor Through the Ages
 Saturday, Jun 28, 2025 | 10:00 AM  Central
 
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Pre-Columbian Copper Hoe Money (Trajaderos) – Aztec Empire, Mexico
Pre-Columbian Copper Hoe Money (Trajaderos) – Aztec Empire, Mexico
Lot number: 133
Seller: Treasure Trove Auctions
Event: Militaria - Arms & Armor Through the Ages
Ends: Saturday, June 28 | 10:00 AM  Central

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