Final answer:
It is true that spade-shaped coins were in use in China during the 7th century BC. These coins represented an early form of currency and reflected both the culture and the technological capabilities of ancient Chinese civilization.
Step-by-step explanation:
It is true that spade-shaped coins were used in China around the 7th century BC. These spade-shaped coins are one of the earliest forms of metal money in China, following a period where various objects such as tools and agricultural implements were utilized as mediums of exchange. Over time, these forms evolved into shapes that were more convenient for use as money, with the metals chosen for their durability and value.
Apart from facilitating transactions, the shapes and inscriptions on coins often had cultural significance and were meant to be recognized and trusted by those using them. As seen from historical analysis, ancient coins not only served as practical tools for trade but also conveyed social, political, and religious messages.
The adoption of coinage by different civilizations, such as the Greeks in the 6th century BCE who stamped silver with symbols, simplified the economic process by replacing the cumbersome methods of bartering and weighing precious metals. Similarly, in the case of China, the use of bronze for coins reflects the technological advancements of the time and the importance of metalworking in Chinese history.