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Chinese coin from Qing Dynasty found in Australia

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-11-06 20:09

CANBERRA  -- A historic Chinese coin from the Qing Dynasty has been discovered in an archeological dig in the heart of Darwin in northern Australia.

The excavation began in a vacant lot behind the Sue Wah Chin building in the city center on September 22, ahead of the lot's redevelopment, said a report dispatched by the Australian Associated Press from Darwin.

The report said the building was constructed in the 1880s and was a 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 till now.

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 Bourke said most likely originated from the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

There was also an Australian penny from 1921, four Chinese medicine vials and various buttons and beads.

"One of the most exciting finds so far has been a well that was located with the help from the Chin family, who were owners of the building for many years," said Bourke.

He said the well was 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."

The fieldwork is expected to be finalised by the end of November.