More Than Just Money: The Feng Shui Wisdom of the Five Emperor Coins
What Are the Five Emperor Coins?
In traditional Chinese culture, Five Emperor Coins (Wu Di Qian) are powerful ancient coins believed to bring protection, prosperity, and good fortune.
There are two types: the Great Five Emperor Coins and the Small Five Emperor Coins.
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The Great Five Emperor Coins refer to the currencies of five major Chinese dynasties:
Qin – Ban Liang, Han – Wu Zhu, Tang – Kai Yuan Tong Bao, Song – Song Yuan Tong Bao, and Ming – Yong Le Tong Bao.
These coins are made of bronze, dating from over 2,000 to 600 years ago. Because of their age, authentic pieces are rare and valuable. -
The Small Five Emperor Coins come from the reigns of five Qing Dynasty emperors:
Shunzhi, Kangxi, Yongzheng, Qianlong, and Jiaqing.
Since the time of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, Chinese coins were cast in a round shape with a square hole in the center, symbolizing the ancient cosmological idea of “Heaven is round, Earth is square.”
This design represents the balance between Heaven, Earth, and Humanity — the essence of Yin-Yang philosophy. Because of this symbolic creation, ancient coins are believed to naturally carry spiritual and energetic power.
In Feng Shui, the Five Emperor Coins are also connected to the Five Elements (Wu Xing):
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Qin (Water)
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Han (Metal)
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Tang (Earth)
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Song (Wood)
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Ming (Fire)
Together, they form a complete cycle of elemental harmony, making them one of the most auspicious Feng Shui talismans.
The Feng Shui Power of Five Emperor Coins
From a Feng Shui perspective, ancient coins are used to neutralize negative energy (sha qi) and attract wealth. Their placement and arrangement, however, are extremely important.
1. Correct Placement at Entrances and Windows
Doors and windows are where energy enters and exits a home. Unfortunately, these areas can also bring in negative or disruptive energy known as “sha.”
Common types of sha energy include:
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Piercing Line (穿心煞): when the main door, room door, and balcony align in a straight line, energy flows out too quickly, causing financial loss.
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Sharp Corner Sha (尖角煞): when a door faces a wall corner or sharp edge, it can bring accidents or injury.
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Road Sha (路冲 / 枪煞): when a road or pathway directly faces the main door, symbolizing conflict or financial loss.
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Reversed Bow Sha (反弓煞): when a curved road bends away from the house, draining wealth energy.
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Mouth Sha (开口煞): when two doors face each other, leading to arguments or tension.
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Hanging Needle Sha (悬针煞): when a pole or tree directly blocks the entrance, symbolizing obstacles, legal troubles, or danger.
If your home faces any of these conditions and you cannot use a screen or wall divider, you can use Five Emperor Coins to neutralize them.
Method:
Place the Five Emperor Coins beneath the door threshold in sequence: Shunzhi → Kangxi → Yongzheng → Qianlong → Jiaqing, with the side showing Chinese characters facing upward.
If there is no threshold, tie the coins with a red cord and hang them above the main entrance. This will invite positive energy and good fortune into the home.
2. Boosting Wealth and Prosperity
To enhance family wealth and attract financial opportunities, place the Five Emperor Coins:
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Under the entrance threshold or welcome mat.
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Near the front door or cash register (for businesses).
As people walk in and out, the coins symbolically “collect” and bring in prosperous energy.
3. Ground Blessing During Renovation
Before moving into a new house or during renovation, burying ancient coins in the five corners of a room (or house) can help stabilize energy, ward off negativity, and invite good fortune.
4. Carrying Five Emperor Coins for Personal Luck
You can also carry a small set of Five Emperor Coins with you as a protective talisman. It’s believed to help turn bad luck into good, protect against misfortune, and enhance personal wealth and confidence.