Ancient Chinese coin found near Yukon gold dig

A centuries-old Chinese gold coin has been unearthed in the Yukon.

The Vancouver Sun reports that the coin, which dates back to the Qing Dynasty (1662 to 1722), was discovered by archeologists near the proposed Casino mine being developed by Western Copper and Gold Corp. (TSE:WRN).

The discovery could be evidence that historic trade links existed between Canadian First Nations, Chinese merchants and Russian fur traders.

It is the third Chinese coin to be discovered in the Yukon; others have been recovered from archelological sites on the Alaska coast, The Sun reports.

Photo of the Eastern Qing Tombs, where the 5 emperors of the Qing Dynasty were buried, is by Shutterstock.