Ancient Chinese coins appear in East Africa

American archaeologists discovered a Chinese coin dating back to about 600 years on an island in Kenya.

Archaeological delegation led by Chapurukha M. Kusimba, an expert of Field Museum in Chicago (USA), discovered Minh's coin on Manda island in Kenya. They excavated the island from December 2012 to February this year, Livescience reported.

'This finding is very meaningful. We know that Africa is always tied to the rest of the world, but this coin will open a debate about the relationship between China and the Indian Ocean countries , 'Kusimba said.

The coin dates back about 600 years on Kenya's Manda island. (Photo: Livescience)

The coin, shaped like a plate, is made of copper and silver alloy with a square hole in the middle. Dynasty Ming created this square hole so that people could wear money on their belts. It was released between 1403 and 1425 and named Vinh Lac - an Ming dynasty emperor. He initiated the construction of China's Forbidden City.

Manda used to be a trading center in Africa and in 1403 to 1425 was the near end of its heyday. After that the island was abandoned since 1430 and people never lived on the island again.

The team asked the Kenyan government to allow them to bring Chinese coins to Chicago, USA so that experts could analyze its chemical composition at the Field Museum.

"We just want to make sure it is a coin issued by the Chinese court, not a fake coin," Kusimba said.