What is blue dye money?

Blue dye money was a form of currency used in ancient China during the Ming dynasty (1368-1644). It was called blue dye money because the paper was dyed blue to prevent counterfeiting.

The Ming dynasty introduced this form of currency to replace the traditional use of copper coins. Blue dye money was used to pay taxes and tribute and was also used as payment for goods and services.

The paper used to make blue dye money was made from mulberry bark and was known for its durability. The paper was also treated with additives such as alum or glue to make it more resilient and less prone to tearing.

While blue dye money was a significant innovation in its time, it was eventually replaced by a more advanced form of paper currency during the Qing dynasty (1644-1912). Today, blue dye money serves as an important relic of the advanced civilization that existed in ancient China.