Japanese Cash Coins © 2011

2011-05-16T13:45:00.001-07:00

Questions NOT Answered

I am always happy to answer questions regarding pre-Meiji CASH coins (copper/iron), as long as they involve just a few coins. I have been getting a lot of questions lately about post-Meiji struck coinage, pre-Meiji silver and gold coinage, medals and the like. This blog is for cash coins, nothing else. In addition, I get questions involving translation of coins, tokens, medals and other objects. If someone wants to hire me as a translator, that's fine. If someone wants to hire me as an appraiser of coins, I can do that too. So, please limit your questions to Japanese cash coins! For that I could do for fun. Please do not send me dozens of photos for attibution. That is beyond fun!

2010-08-01T13:06:00.001-07:00

Cheap Reprints of Munro’s Coins of Japan

Please do not get fooled by those modern reprints of this book. A few printers just make copies from books available on-line. Others disbound either an original edition or reprints, make Xerox copies, and bound them Kinko style with paper covers. Still, others make copies of copies and sell them. That is public domain for you.

If one wants to read up on scarce subjects, that may be the way to go. I guess having a copy, even a lousy one, is still worth it. But a CD? I don’t think I wanna read a book using my PC. Reprints are one thing, but CDs? Kindle? I’m sorry, but I prefer not to spend $10 on Kindle book if I could get a nice hard covered book for $20.

I wanted to update my world coin catalog so did a little search on it. By the way, I am still using my two-volume Krause that came out in the mid-80s. This is the best book ever on world coins. As a contributor on Japanese cash coins, they sent me a free copy back then. After looking thru some Krause Publications, I noticed some books only come in CD format. I have to be really drunk to pay $50 for a CD book. So, I continue to use my two-volume book. If you own this book, I am sure you would agree with me when I say this book is the Bible on world coins.

2010-07-14T17:53:00.000-07:00

Writers Wanted!

I bet you did not know, but anyone can submit articles for this blog. They can be on any subject, as long the subject is Japanese cash coins. You can talk about your latest finds, new information on the subject, fakes and fantasies, etc. All you have to do is email me your writings. Add photos if you have them.

2010-05-25T08:39:00.001-07:00

Questions and Comments

Many people read this blog but nobody ever comments. That is how it is with blogs. But, many people write me with questions. I do not reply to those one-line questions like, "What can you tell me about this coin?" They get deleted. If you want me to spend my time answering your questions, you have to spend your time writing a well thought-out mail. I do not reply to those questions about struck coinage, gold and silver issues, or to cash coins of other countries. I know nothing about them.

If your question is about Japanese cash coins, please follow these guidelines. First, you need to address a person. If there is no salutation, I will not read it. I will just assume it was not intended for me. Second, you need to tell me what you know about the coin in question. Third, you have to sign your name. Otherwise, I would not know who to reply to. The above things are real basic stuff that we learn in grade school. E-mails are letters.

Comment from Eric, one of our readers: I am not experienced enough to offer any valuable comments, but I can thank you for putting in the time to make this site, and leave the pictures and descriptions up and available for your readers to study when there is time or when we have a questionable coin in hand. I often have questions, ( when I have time to look at my coins) and between this site and your book I can often find an answer. I also appreciate the offering for sale of coins that you have used as teaching specimens. Having the described coin in hand while reading the attribution methodology is invaluable. Thank you...

Just a question about translations, I have a vase with some writing on it that I would like to get translated. Dou you do objects other than coins?

Ye Editor writes: Thanks for your comments, Eric. I do list some coins for educational purposes. In the past, everytime I listed something new, one old post would disappear. I blamed this on new google thingy, but it was really my ignorance for not keeping up with the current trend. People say, "Dumb people are the happiest." Nobody ever accused me of not being happy! When I sell one cash coin, I am able to buy something else to list. The more I list, the more info I can supply to readers. Because I am able to archive now, old postings should remain on the blog for years to come.
As for your vase, if the writings are kinda modern, I can try. Just send me a good photo.

2010-04-26T11:30:00.000-07:00

My "How to take Takuhon" Video on Youtube
Not possible to do under 2 minutes. It was a challenge! Click the links.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKO2ks6ChJs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EN-4Hb2MMqs

Radu asks:
What are the materials you use in making takuhon? I looked around at the 100yen store in the stamping isle but wasn't sure what type of ink you use, if its ink at all. Also cold you describe the steps briefly?

My reply:
I use Japanese sumi ink, bit of oil and mogusa as base. Sumi comes in bottled form, or you can rub and scrape from sumi block. Mogusa can be gotten from "okyu." Okyu is the stuff Japanese burn on their bodies. Just take it out from the paper wrapper. This becomes spongy base to hold ink and oil. Munro talks about how to take rubbings in his book, "Coins of Japan."

2010-04-15T13:37:00.000-07:00

Check out the new blog page starting 4/15/10 at above NEW POST link.

Or CLICK here
http://japanesecash.blogspot.com/

2010-03-31T11:37:00.000-07:00

Trading Dupes

One of our readers, Bill, says he has some Kanei and Tenpo coins for trade/sale. If interested, contact him directly at: bdunkle@msn.com

2010-01-01T18:25:00.000-08:00

Correction:

In History and Guide Book, Jones # 255 and 256 are described as being iron issues. They are NOT iron but copper. These two coins are listed as Jones #142 and 143 in Shin Kanei catalog and therein described correctly as copper. I thank David for pointing out this error.

2009-12-25T12:52:00.000-08:00

Yo-Tsu-Ho-Sen and Mimi-Shiro-Sen (Mimi-Jiro)

One of our readers, David, asks:

In the JNDA and elsewhere, there are various names for the types of New Kanei, such as 四ツ寶銭. Is there a list anywhere of what all these names mean? I note there is one name 耳白 White Ear???? which is not in some of the other catalogues, although it is in JNDA. Has this coin been renamed?

First, we thank David for his questions. Second, although of some interest, we should not get too concerned about names of coins in general. It is like Coca-Cola. Some call it COKE; others call it SODA or POP. No matter what we call it, it is all the same.

Yo-Tsu-Ho-Sen simply refers to those coins made at Edo Kameido, right after Mt. Fuji erupted in 1707. If David lived in Edo during the first-quarter of 18th century, he may have called this series of crude, small coins %&*^#$@!*&, and his term may have sticked for generations to come. He would have been so used to receiving nicely made, large coins with BUN on the reverse. All of a sudden, he is getting these lousy, small coins. I, too, would have called them %&*^#$@!*&.

After seeing this lousy coinage in circulation for seven years, David sees a new coin. It is a very large coin. In fact, it is larger than those BUN coins. This new coin is wide rimmed. So, instead of calling this coin %&*^#$@!*&, he names it MIMI-HIRO-SEN, but he pronounces it as MIMI-SHIRO. David, being a child of Edo, cannot pronounce some letters correctly. Instead of HIRO, he pronounces it SHIRO.

If one were to use Yahoo translator, this combination of characters 耳白would yield "white ear." Although this character 耳 means "ear," most of the time, in this case it means "flair." We call our ears "ears" because we were told to do so. Before this word existed, our ears were nothing more than a pair of flairs that stuck out from our big heads. When David called it MIMI, he was referring to the rim of the coin. This new coin does have a very wide rim. As for 白, this character does mean"white." But David's original word is HIRO 広, meaning "wide." So, the original term was MIMI-HIRO 耳広, meaning wide rim.

David asks, "Is there a list anywhere of what all these names mean?"Yup! If David is diligent and have an excellent understanding of Japanese language, he can search the web and compile such a list.

2009-12-20T11:45:00.001-08:00

Bunkyu Eiho 文久永宝　文久永寶

We have a question from Bill about one of his Bunkyu coins. He writes:

I am seeking your opinion on 2 Bunkyo Eihou coins that I have had difficulty in my attempts attribute. As you can see from the attached jpegs, these 2 coins do not match the rubbings in your "History and Guide to the Copper Cash Coinage of Japan" in which you list 11 varieties (3 of which are of this variety) or in the JNDA Catalogue, which lists a total of 6 varieties. Every kanji has an unique feature than the others that are listed in the above mentioned resources. The coin measures 26mm wide (outside rim measurement), 20mm wide (inside rim measurement), 7mm square inside hole (the same as Jones #256) and is 1mm thick.

The Bun character's horzontal line is only slightly tilted upward to the right, the Kyo character is squattier and wider, the Ei character's upper right arm ends in a very definitive upward stroke that is "squared off" at the right edge, and the legs of the Hou character are unique to all of the listed varieties. I have owned the coin on the right for several years, but it was not until I recently acquired the example on the left that I thought to pursue this as it is a very good example of the coin. It clearly shows the characters and their unique features.

First, nobody should use my catalog to attribute Bunkyu Eiho. That listing was placed there asおまけ (omake). This coinage is not popular with collectors. Perhaps the reason is that it was cast so late in the Edo Period (1862- 69). For those interested in varieties of this coinage, they need to get a specialized catalog. I know of two, but both are long out-of-print and very difficult to find: Bunkyu Eiho Bunruifu by Shigeyuki Kobayashi and Bunkyu Eiho by Bonanza. I guess one could also use Showa Senpu, but it is pictorial and not descriptive. I owned all three catalogs once, but that was many years ago. Because Bunkyu coins are not highly regarded, and that attribution guides are difficult to find, this series is still a sleeper. Collectors should set aside varieties whenever possible. Attribution can come in good time.

Bill provides us with good description of his variety. Being old and not smart, I confuse easily nowadays. So, I have to do things my way. Some people can follow instructions very well. I cannot. When putting together plastic models or whatever, I don’t read instructions. On first try, I mess things up. On second try, it’s better but not quite right. On third try, I am able to assemble but with a few parts left over. If something works without those parts, I figure it is good enough for me.

For Bill’s coin, the first thing I looked at was the position of HO. Its position is much lower than most other varieties. This low HO happens with Fuka-Ji variety. At least that is what I call it. It means “deep characters.” But some Japanese collectors call it Shin-Ji. This character深 represents “deep.” So, when we use this character to describe the variety, no matter how we read it, it still means “deep.” The problem is that the characters on his coin are not genuinely deep. But this is not to say that they are shallow. They are something in-between.

There are some varieties that Japanese call Fuka-Ji-De. I believe we talked about this DE before. It simply means “in the manner of” Fuka-Ji. Within this Fuka-Ji-De series, we find similarities in how the characters are written, without them being deeply cut like that of Bill’s coin.

Now, we have to take note on how the character BUN 文 is written. Its legs are quite short compared to most other varieties. The legs are well inside the corners of the square rim. Within Fuka-Ji-De series, there is a good match with a variety called Tan-Kyu, meaning the character 久 is short. Why the catalogs never relate to how BUN is written is beyond me. It is much more recognizable than the character KYU 久. We can now call Bill’s coin a “Fuka-Ji-De-Tan-Kyu.” But wait, Bill’s coin has filing marks. Because of it, some collectors may say that Bill’s coin is a special coin that needs additional categorization. It is also On-Shi-De. On-Shi-De is a special coinage made for high ranking officials or “masters” to be handed out as gifts. So, his coin is now, “On-Shi-De Fuka-Ji-De-Tan-Kyu.” That’s a mighty sounding title for a coin! But then, there are sub-sub-varieties within this sub-variety that nobody seems to care.

2009-12-16T11:03:00.000-08:00

Shin KanEi TsuHo Sendai Mint Guide

Make sure you click the pics to enlarge.

I've been attributing Kanei Tsuho for 30 years now, or at least trying to attribute them. Sometimes, the more I look at them the more I get confused. I think I did a decent job describing them in my catalogs, but they can always be improved. Through this blog, I intend to do so.

Today I wanna talk about a few coins from Sendai mint. If you have about a hundred Kanei coins on your desk, how do you find the Sendai coins from this bunch? First thing you have to do is to separate them by sizes: small, medium, and large. Sendai coins would fall in the medium sized group. What you do next is to look at the character “HO” 寶. This character is unique with Sendai coins. It is slender and tall.

Now comes the nitty-gritty attribution part. This is where the headache begins. We all see things differently. Japanese catalogs on Shin Kanei Tsuho tend to follow the catalogs of the past. They all have a fancy name attached to each variety. If a variety is called, “something-something TSU,” that variety should have major differences with the character TSU 通, compared to other varieties within the type. But that is not often the case. Most of the time, the differences are so subtle that it is very difficult to compare against another variety.

I have pictured four coins from Sendai here. The numbers are from my “Attribution Guide to Shin Kanei Tsuho.” I am not listing other varieties, as they are quite obvious ones.

#76 Isho Sha Ho 異書斜寶 1728
#77 Isho Shin Kan 異書進冠 1728
#78 Isho Cho Tsu 異書長通 1728
#79 Isho Tei Kan 異書低寛 1728

At a glance, these coins all look alike. So, where does one begin? Look at the legs of KAN 寛. If you have the legs that look like this 見, firmly connected to the body, then you have either #76 or #78. If there is space between the legs and the body, you have either #77 or #79. So far so good?

Now, #78 is called Cho Tsu, meaning the character TSU is larger and longer than that of #76. If you have eagle-eye, you may be able to detect it. There is an easier way, however. Look at the right leg of KAN. On #76, its leg is almost even with the corner of the square rim. On #78, it is well inside of the square rim. Of course, there are other minor differences between the two varieties, but the right leg of KAN is where you need to take note.

So, what are the differences between #77 and #79? On #77, the corner of フon永 points up; whereas, フon永 points down slightly on #79. Next, note the character 通. On #79, its left part 辶 is connected; on #77 there is a space. In addition, the top part of 通 (コ) is longer/larger on #79 than it is on #77. Also, note the crown of 寛 on both varieties. On #77, its crown is off-centered, leaving much space to its left. On #79, the crown is well-centered, but a portion of it seems blurred. This is not from wear. It is from using seed coins with weakness in this area.

COMMENTS:

One of our readers, Bill, writes: I just visited your site and want to write you to say "THANK YOU" for taking the time to post this very informative tutorial. As you know, I spend many hours attempting to attribute the coins in my collection and having this type of English language reference is invaluable. And as a bonus, it is Sendai, my personal favorite and the birthplace of my mother. Again, thank you!

I appreciate your comment Bill! Hope this helps you some.

Another reader, Fernando, writes: Wow, thank you for your help and for your great blog; without it, it will be very very difficult to me to collect ancient japanese coins cause i don´t understand nothing of japanese languaje and much minus ancient japanese; but because exists some people like you who writes in english about it I can continue with mi collection :-D Thanks so much again!!!

It is true that most collectors have no command of Japanese language, and very few things are written on the this subject in English. In the last 30 years, nothing seemed to have changed.

2009-12-15T16:09:00.000-08:00

JNDA Authentication Service

In the early 80s, a friend of mine sent a few Japanese cash coins to ANACS. Those coins were no good. He knew that too. But when he got the coins back, they had a stamp of approval from ANACS. We just laughed. Since they never tell you who does the authentication, I figured there was John Suzuki in the backroom flipping coins: heads, genuine; tails, not genuine. Does anyone know if ANACS still exist, and if so, do they authenticate cash coins?

As for JNDA services, I also wonder, but because I do not know enough about them, I cannot comment. However, I do know that if a coin is not a known variety, they will not authenticate it, even if it is from the period. In other words, they will toss aside good, contemporary circulation issues if the varieties are not cataloged.

The problem with these certificates is that they can be reproduced and faked. If you hand over a sample to a jobber in China, the workshop will not only make a certificate for you but a coin to match it as well.

2009-12-15T15:35:00.000-08:00

Very Rare Wado Kaichin

This coin has a starting price of about $25,000 on Japanese Yahoo auction! The seller simply describes it as being off-centered (slip in the casting). There are no weights and measures. This guy is really on the cheap, as there is a sticker for another coin on the reverse of this 2x2. Guess he recyled this two cent holder. I am not joking about this listing. It is for real!

2009-12-13T11:21:00.000-08:00

Hatome-Sen

This is a nice set of Hatome-Sen. Early ones are quite large. Photo provided by Neal.

2009-12-12T20:15:00.000-08:00

15th Century Ryukyu Coins?

I have been busy writing about 19th century American silhouettes for the last five years on my silhouette blogs and have neglected this blog on Japanese cash coins. I believe I have written enough on silhouettes. Now, I would like to get back to writing about Japanese cash coins. Please check back often, as I will write something on this subject quite a bit from now on. Please remember THIS PAGE belongs to all of you. Comments are welcome. If you wanna write something for the blog, that is also very welcome. Many people read what I write, but they always stay silent. Let’s change that!

Uehara Shizuka touches on an interesting subject of Ryukyu coins in her recent paper in “The Journal of the Okinawa Archaeological Society” (南島考古). She writes about a recent “dig” where a partial cast branch (money tree) was recovered. It was nothing more than a branch; no coins were attached, and no coins were found at this site. She somehow believes there was a minting activity at this particular site in the 15th century. Hold your horses, Shizuka. This “branch” is no proof that coins were cast; it may have been used to cast something other than coins.

Other copper items (bronze, brass, whatever term you prefer) were also recovered from this site. Over yonder, somewhere in the hills, she (her team?) digs up a single Seiko Tsuho (Seko Tsuho to some of you). She had this coin tested for its metallic content. Of course, she also has tests done on the copper items found on her dig site. They match! Now, she firmly believes this Seiko Tsuho was cast where she dug up that “branch.” She can certainly connect the dots to her advantage.

The problems: Shizuka, not being a numismatist, does not mention which variety of Seiko Tsuho she found. She does not even illustrate her find. Furthermore, she does not mention how that coin and other items were analyzed. She does mention who did the tests, but she gives no analytical results. Her final statement was basically that the copper and lead used were from recycled material. Even I could have told her that. Does anyone know of any 15th century copper mines on the island? Or from any period? I sure don’t. On the tests, I wonder what the Pb ratio was.

I am sure Shizuka knows a great deal of Okinawa archaeology. Perhaps she may want to read up on coins in the future. I guess I was a bit rough on Shizuka. By the way, the Seiko Tsuho illustrated here was gotten from the internet. It is NOT her find.

On a different note, if you ever try to search Japanese keywords on the net, Google really sucks, as it gives results in Chinese most of the time. For Japanese words, gotta go with yahoo.co.jp. By the way, if you ever thought of using Google or Yahoo translator, Japanese to English or English to Japanese, do not waste your time.

2009-10-26T11:23:00.000-07:00

I provide an useful chart below for cross-referencing Shin Kanei Tsuho. The first number is from Attribution Guide to Shin Kanei Tsuho by Jones (1984), (none left for sale); the second number is from Guide to the Copper Cash Coinage of Japan by Jones (2007), available on this site.

1 - 199, 4 - 200, 5 - 201, 11 - 202, 20 - 203, 24 - 204, 25 - 205, 28 - 206,31 - 207, 33 - 208, 37 - 209, 39 - 201, 42 - 211, 43 - 212, 44 - 213, 48 - 214,53 - 215, 54 - 216, 57 - 217, 60 - 218, 68 - 219, 71 - 220, 72 - 221, 73 - 222,74 - 223, 75 - 224, 81 - 225, 83 - 226, 85 - 227, 89 - 228, 90 - 229, 91 - 230,95 - 231, 97 - 232

100 - 233, 103 - 234, 104 - 235, 105 - 236, 109 - 237, 110 - 238, 116 - 239,117 - 240, 118 - 241, 119 - 242, 121 - 244, 124 - 243, 126 - 245, 128 - 246,129 - 247, 130 - 248, 131 - 249, 132 - 250, 133 - 251, 134 - 252, 135 - 253,136 - 254, 142 - 255, 143 - 256, 146 - 257, 147 - 258150 - 259, 151 - 259, 153 - 260, 156 - 261, 157 - 262, 158 - 263, 159 - 264, 163 - 265, 165 - 266, 166 - 267, 168 - 268, 169 - 269, 171 - 270, 172 - 271, 175 - 272, 178 - 273, 179 - 274, 180 - 275, 181 - 276, 182 - 278, 183 - 277, 184 - 279, 185 - 280, 186 - 281, 188 - 282, 189 - 283, 190 - 283, 193 - 284, 195 - 285, 196 - 286, 197 - 287, 199 - 291

200 - 292, 201 - 293, 203 - 294, 205 - 295, 210 - 296, 212 - 297, 216 - 298, 217 - 303, 218 - 299, 219 - 300, 220 - 301, 221 - 302, 222 - 304, 223 - 305,224 - 306, 225 - 307, 229 - 308, 230 - 309, 232 - 310, 234 - 311, 235 - 312, 236 - 313, 240 - 314, 243 - 315, 244 - 316, 249 - 288, 250 - 289, 251 - 290252 - 290, 253 - 320, 254 - 321

Errata: I note errors in Cash Coinage. From time to time, I will list them through a listing such as this. If you own the work, correct the text as we go. If you spot other errors, should be quite a few, let me know.

P109, #204, should read Saiji Bun Mu Hai, instead of Saiji Hai Mu Ha.
P112. #265, illustrates the character Kan ? but should be Ho ?.

2009-10-14T10:45:00.000-07:00

New Discovery on Coins of Japan by Neil Gordon Munro

The original 1904 edition is a real treasure today, but the 1962 reprint is actually more difficult to find. For a casual collector of Japanese cash coins, the reprint should be good enough. Although the plates are not as crisp, there are no differences in text.

Over the last thirty years or so, I probably owned a dozen or so reprints. Every copy I owned or saw had a black and white print of "An Omen." In addition, they lacked "magatama" plate. Until recently I did not know that there were two versions of 1962 reprint, standard and deluxe. Here I illustrate this newly found deluxe version. The colors are terrible and look nothing like the original, but they are colored. Does anyone out there own this deluxe version?

2009-09-02T17:05:00.001-07:00

Many cash coins go unsold on Yahoo Japan Auction

Perhaps due to bad economy, or collectors scared of getting stuck with fakes, nothing much sell these days. Most listings are run-of-the-mill stuff that collectors do not want. However, when rare items are listed, not many bidders seem to bother. Most sellers, 99.9% of them, will accept no returns. On top of that, they will state that no negative feedbacks should be left for sellers. In order to bid, bidders must acknowledge those terms. Sellers state that bidders should judge for themselves according to the photos. The problem is most of those photos are taken 2 feet away and coins are in 2x2 stapled holders!

I did find a very interesting lot of four coins, Kanei Tsuho 4 mon seed coins recently (see photos). The seller says, "寛永通宝の仰寶、仰寶米刻印、背盛、背盛米刻印の母銭4種を合わせて出品します." The first one is common, being a seed of a very common iron issue (bottom right). The second one (top right) is the same as above, except that it is counterstamped. This is a rare coin. The third coin (bottom left) is also a common seed. The fourth coin (top left) is another counterstamped coin with Morioka mint reverse. This, too, is a rare coin. All of these coins look kosher, and I see no problem with them. The two common ones are worth $200-250 as a pair, but with "yen" being so costly today, adjustment should be made. Anyways, the seller had a "buy now" price of 250,000 yen ($2,700 in today's rate).

Comment: One of the readers, Patricia, says:

I recently came accross your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I dont know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.

Ed.'s Note:

Appreciate your feedback!

2009-08-09T10:49:00.001-07:00

How Accurate is the Attribution of Kanei Tsuho?

The following question came from David.

“Do you know how the Japanese arrive at mint attributions for Kanei without obvious mint marks on the back? Is there a vast collection of samples submitted by the mints that has been retained or something?”
David’s question is a good one! I cannot speak for Ko-Kanei (古寛永) coins, as I know very little about them. However, having fooled around with Shin-Kanei (新寛永) coins more frequently, I believe I can answer his question, or I can at least pretend to know and come up with plausible statements.

Let us first begin by using the process of elimination and take away those coins with mintmarks. They represent about a third of the total population. In addition, many of those mintmarked varieties have brothers and sisters in which all of the obverse characters are written the same but lacking only the reverse mintmarks. They account for nearly 15% of the total population. Thus, so far, we were able to discount almost half of the varieties.

Some varieties are attributed to certain mints because there are similarities with the known varieties. For such coins, Japanese use the term “DE” (手) as a suffix. Koume-De (小梅手) is a good example. It simply means this particular variety contains certain elements associated with those coins made at Koume mint. Because the color of copper used is also taken into account, such attribution may be accurate. On the other hand, some varieties are called “DE” (手) simply to suggest “in the manner of.” Perhaps, such coins account for about 5% of the total population.

For those varieties that are not possible to attribute, they are classified as “unknown mints,” which represents about 5% of the population. The Japanese term is “FU-MEI” (不明), but this term differs between Japanese attribution guides. A few authors have attempted to place such coins into one of the known mints, while taking away others and placing them into the “unknown mint” category.

Because many Japanese numismatic works have been published in the 1700s and the 1800s, contemporary to the casting of many of the coins, and that there existed many collectors as well during that time, much of what was published is regarded as being quite accurate. Any collector of means with ties to mint operators could have easily obtained seed coins. Such dealings were not out of norm. In the 19th century coin collectors in the United States were also able to obtain many rare items such as proof coins, patterns, and even “special” unique coins that were made especially for certain collectors.

In the 20th century, archaeological digs in Japan have uncovered many mint operations. When remnants of molds and coins are found, attribution does become science.

David asks a very good question about submission of samples. There are records of permission for making money. However, there existed many more unauthorized mints than those permitted by the central government. We have to remember that Japanese provinces operated individually. For the most part, attribution of Kanei Tsuho can be trusted.

2009-03-22T14:19:00.001-07:00

Tough Economy?

I am out of money and very mad about it. I ordered a book from Carolina Bookshop,612 West Main Street, Locust, NC, 28097( Gordon Briscoe, Jr. owner) and paid thru paypal. After a full month goes by with five unanswered emails to the seller, paypal decides in my favor. Unfortunately, this book seller had already spent my money and there is not a red cent left in his account for paypal to issue a refund. I ordered a book thru www.choosebooks.com, which is just as guilty as the bookseller. There is no customer service there at all. My complaint went unanswered there as well. I probably bought over 500 books over the years on the internet; this is my first bad experience. Most booksellers are good people, except for this thief!

2008-11-06T09:25:00.001-08:00

Mito Tora Sen

This is a very popular E-sen with an image of a tiger on the reverse. Most were cast in copper but iron issues exist. The top left image was recently auctioned on eBay and brought $138.50. It is a beautiful-looking iron issue. But, as far as I know, its seed coin is different from the one used to cast copper issues. In other words, there were two varieties of seed coins: one for casting copper and one for casting iron issue. The problem with this beautiful iron one is that it is not the correct variety for iron. I illustrate three genuine coins for comparison. Can you identify the differences? The beautiful iron one is likely a recent casting using a genuine copper issue.

2008-11-05T14:04:00.000-08:00

Morioka Dozan is a real tough coin to find, unless, of course, it's an imitation. I show two photos here: one on the left is believed to be genuine; the coin on the right is from recent eBay auction where it brought $160.

The seller writes, "Japanese Morioka copper 100 Mon coin in oval shape like Tenpo Tsuho with 4 characters on both side issued in 1866. KM#50. Rare coin. VF condition. 47.8x31.8mm and 22.9g. Guaranteed genuine."

I show another Morioka that is worth only a few dollars.

Tenpo Tsuho Seed Coin? The same seller had this coin, too, in which it also brought a very high price of $160. "Unusual Japanese Lead-Tin 100 Mon coin in oval shape, Tenpo Tsuho, issued in 1835-70. Scarce special SAMPLE coin or MOTHER coin. VF condition. 49x32.1mm and 23.7g."

I really don't know what this coin is, but it is not a seed. From its color, it may be a Hakudo-Sen or white copper issue. But it could also be something that was made recently. Sometimes it is difficult to say for sure without seeing the actual coin.

2008-09-09T19:04:00.000-07:00

Cracker Jack Prize - Japanese Version

This type of Tenpo Tsuho coin is often termed "Glico Tenpo." Each Glico caramel box contained a prize, which came in a separate box attached atop the caramel box. It was something very similar to Cracker Jack prize, cheap collectible toy for children to enjoy. During the coin collecting craze of the 1950s, by collecting certain points, children could send away for a genuine Tenpo Tsuho. However, because of overwheming demand for the coins, the genuine coins soon ran out. Glico company was forced to make imitation Tenpo Tsuho.

The coin illustrated is not from Edo Period. It is from the 1950s. Yes, it does look genuine. How does one tell it apart from Edo issues? The reverse characters are deeply cut, and the coin is almost medallic in appearance. This is an imitation of Honza Kokaku variety. The Honza coin has filing marks; this coin does not. Good news is that this coin is worth a bit more than the genuine coin.

2008-08-18T15:37:00.000-07:00

I provide an useful chart below for cross-referencing Shin Kanei Tsuho. The first number is from Attribution Guide to Shin Kanei Tsuho (1984), (none left for sale); the second number is from Guide to the Copper Cash Coinage of Japan by Jones (2007), available on this site.

1 - 199, 4 - 200, 5 - 201, 11 - 202, 20 - 203, 24 - 204, 25 - 205, 28 - 206,31 - 207, 33 - 208, 37 - 209, 39 - 201, 42 - 211, 43 - 212, 44 - 213, 48 - 214,53 - 215, 54 - 216, 57 - 217, 60 - 218, 68 - 219, 71 - 220, 72 - 221, 73 - 222,74 - 223, 75 - 224, 81 - 225, 83 - 226, 85 - 227, 89 - 228, 90 - 229, 91 - 230,95 - 231, 97 - 232

100 - 233, 103 - 234, 104 - 235, 105 - 236, 109 - 237, 110 - 238, 116 - 239,117 - 240, 118 - 241, 119 - 242, 121 - 244, 124 - 243, 126 - 245, 128 - 246,129 - 247, 130 - 248, 131 - 249, 132 - 250, 133 - 251, 134 - 252, 135 - 253,136 - 254, 142 - 255, 143 - 256, 146 - 257, 147 - 258
150 - 259

151 - 259, 153 - 260, 156 - 261, 157 - 262, 158 - 263, 159 - 264, 163 - 265, 165 - 266, 166 - 267, 168 - 268, 169 - 269, 171 - 270, 172 - 271, 175 - 272, 178 - 273, 179 - 274, 180 - 275, 181 - 276, 182 - 278, 183 - 277, 184 - 279, 185 - 280, 186 - 281, 188 - 282, 189 - 283, 190 - 283, 193 - 284, 195 - 285, 196 - 286, 197 - 287, 199 - 291

200 - 292, 201 - 293, 203 - 294, 205 - 295, 210 - 296, 212 - 297, 216 - 298, 217 - 303, 218 - 299, 219 - 300, 220 - 301, 221 - 302, 222 - 304, 223 - 305,224 - 306, 225 - 307, 229 - 308, 230 - 309, 232 - 310, 234 - 311, 235 - 312, 236 - 313, 240 - 314, 243 - 315, 244 - 316, 249 - 288, 250 - 289, 251 - 290252 - 290, 253 - 320, 254 - 321

Errata: I note errors in Cash Coinage. From time to time, I will list them through a listing such as this. If you own the work, correct the text as we go. If you spot other errors, should be quite a few, let me know.

P109, #204, should read Saiji Bun Mu Hai, instead of Saiji Hai Mu Ha.
P112. #265, illustrates the character Kan 寛 but should be Ho 寶.

2008-06-24T07:19:00.000-07:00

A Great Find

If you collect Japanese coins, I am sure you would be interested in all things Japanese. A few months ago, I found a very nice internet site where anyone could watch thousands of Japanese movies for free. The site is VEOH.com.

You need to download their program, which only takes 5 minutes or so. After you download it, click the icon, which opens the program, and then click search. You want to search in the VEOH box at the top, not Google or any other box.

Just type in the name of movie if you know the title in ROMAJI. If you want to browse, type in "j-movie," "jmovie," "japanese movie," "jdrama," "jdorama," "j-drama," or "j-dorama."

I have been watching the weekly Atsuhime on-line. It is about the last Shogun and his wife just before the Meiji Restoration. It is broadcast by NHK and about 45 minutes each show. Right now there are 23 shows available. Check it out. Although several people have posted this drama, one with Chinese sub., the best can be found by typing "athm." One drawback of this show is that since this is a long series, the story moves at a snail's pace.

Another fun movie is called "sengoku jieitai." It is about a modern day Japanese defence force that gets trapped in a time warp and goes back to sengoku jidai, where the battle of Sekigahara is about to take place. "Heavenly forest" is another good movie.

Also, a must see is "Grave of Fireflies." The non-anime version is available but has not been on VEOH yet. It is about two kids who go through hardship after the dropping of atomic bomb in Hiroshima. Yes, this is cartoon but like any other Japanese anime, it is so realistic. Guaranteed to make you laugh and cry!

NOTE: Sometimes the VEOH program does not work. In that case, go to their website and input the title of the movie there. The movie appears in a small screen as a clip. Hit the button that says "watch in Veoh," which immediately takes you to your VEOH program and starts playng the movie in full.

2008-04-28T12:11:00.000-07:00

More Coins Made in China

The coin on the right is called "Chuzan Tsuho," 中山通寶. It was supposedly made in the Ryukyu during the Chuzan empire, Ming China Period. Old Japanese coin catalogs illustrate it, but it is likely an early fantasy. This coin, however, is something that was made recently for eBayers.

The coin on the left is called "Taichu Tsuho" It has 治 (Ji) for　加治木. This present coin is no good. The genuine coin is quite rare, and from my understanding, there is only a single type with no varieties recorded.

2008-02-16T11:15:00.000-08:00

Strange Iron Shin-Kanei Tsuho

Georg from Finland writes: "I had lucky to find this interesting iron coin, size: 21.9-22.1 mm.
I am not find this coin from Ogawa Yoshinori/1969 Catalog,but there is many similar elements with copper Akita-sen/y.1738,Catalog # 124."

Georg is correct. At a glance, there are similarities with Akita coin called Chuji-Kosui. However, 寶 on Chuji is written much higher than this coin pictured. There are also many minute differences. Granted, this coin has rusts, and rusts do sometimes distort the characters. But they do not rewrite them. Can anyone ID this variety?

2007-08-05T07:44:00.000-07:00

Money Does Not Grow on Trees

These things pop up from time to time purporting to be the actual, mint-made items. Can you imagine casting over a billion coins five at a time? These things are purely fantasies made for collectors and the curious. They make for a good paper weight but so does a stone.

2007-07-18T17:34:00.000-07:00

Not Cash Coins...Better

Yup, ain't no coins for sure. This is just a thin pamphlet printed in 1929 titled, "The Japan News Letter, Special Ferris Seminary Number" (of the Japan Mission of the Reformed Church in America). This is a "leaflet put out by members of the Mission in Japan and made it a special Ferris Seminary number." The Great Earthquake in 1923 destroyed the original building. This issue is a sort of commemoration of the new structure. It begins with, "So many friends in America and in othe places have had a part in rebuilding Ferris Seminary, and all have shown such an interest in the work that it seems best to share as much as possible of the joy of the accomplishment of the building."

This "leaflet" has 23 numbered pages, wraps, and a two-page glossy plates (photos) of "Dedication Services," "Alumnae Luncheon" with Dr. Booth as a speaker, and a "Musical" with "Dr. and Mrs. Booth in Left Foreground." Basically, this is a real uninteresting, thin pamphlet to most that makes no contribution to absolutely almost nothing. It is like chasing the final digit of "pie."

BUT, for me, this is a superb addition to my little collection of Yokohama Bluff material. First, the rarity of this item can not be overstated. WorldCat lists not a single copy of this particular issue, although it does show that UNION THEOL SEMINARY owns some issues from the 1920s. Furthermore, within this "leaflet" is a mention of Dr. Booth's son who lived in Kamakura at the time. I had illustrated a postcard earlier of this possible son with Ferris connection.

All of this investigative work is fun. A thought: I like the PBS "History Detective." There was a subject about a pair of African-American photographed with a dozen or so Civil War vets. The question was, "Who were they?" Elyse Luray took on the investigation. She saw GAR emblem on one of the head covers worn by the vets. She did not even know what GAR stood for! Perhaps she played a cat and mouse game for the viewers? It does not realy matter, as I watch that show to watch Elyse. Perhaps she may want to investigate one of my many unanswered projects.

2007-06-28T21:14:00.001-07:00

Can Someone Date This Postcard by the Stamp?

I was sooo excited when I found this postcard. The police station card I illustrated some time ago is very tough to find, but this one here, I believe, is one of the key rarities of early Yamate or the "Bluff" Yokohama. I kinda think this card is like 1910 or so? But since I don't know a thing about postal marks and stamps, I am only guessing. The card is written in Russian so I figure it is slightly post Russo War, 1904-05. Any stamp collectors out there who can date this?

I am always looking for early Yokohama stuff, especially the Yamate or the Bluff area where Munro used to live and work. Always interested in the schools of that area: Sancta Maria, St. Joseph's College, and Ferris school for women. Can trade my cash coins or buy outright.

NOTE: Bill writes, "The stamp is from the turn of the 20th century. If my memory serves me right, it is from the stamps series known as the NEW KOBAN and was released sometime around 1899 to 1910(?). I used to also collect Japanese stamps, but gave it up to concentrate on the Kanei coins. I relooked at the postcard and I believe (again if my memory serves me correctly) that is postmarked October 1908. The Japanese postmark was done on Oct 1, 1908 ( 8 - 10 -1) and the Russian one is on October 5, 1908 (8 - 10 -5)."

The date of this card is interesting. The location of the school from 1904 was 85 Bluff in which Munro occupied until 1901. I believe this card is the earliest surviving image of the school. I am lucky to own it. Although I do not believe in fortune-telling, one fortune contained in a fortune cookie said, "You will accomplish many things this year."

2007-06-20T20:32:00.000-07:00

More Fakes, YUP

I have illustrated and pointed out some details in identifying reproductions somewhere below about Showa Shoho, one of the antique coins. You can compare this new one to them. As for another issue, I drew some arrows indicating the exact points to consider here. These two coins are exactly alike!

I am not a counterfeiter so I do not know exactly how these things are made. Does anyone ever consider the possibility that some of these imitataions are actually struck with the dies rather than being cast? If you own any of these better made repros, can you check and see if there are flow lines or stress lines from being struck? I have a feeling that the dies created for striking these are from intentionally worn dies or dies made to look worn. And the planchets used are from the actual old cash coins that have been smoothed out. This is only a guesswork on my part, however.

You guys need to leave a feedback once in a while. Ain't nobody gonna make fun of you just because your theories or comments are out of touch. That is what I do all the time. We have to start somewhere. You can always leave anonymous comments as well. This is really anonymous. Even me, a blog owner, cannot trace it.

2007-06-20T13:55:00.000-07:00

Fakes in Japanese Auction

This sharply made Kanei Tsuho has been going around in Japan. This has the number THREE or 三 on the back. But there are all sorts with different numbers on the back.

This group of coins is also from the same auction. This is real mixture of good and bad. I am sure some of those shiny Meiji coins are modern reproductions. I used an arrow to show you that there is even one of the 12 antique coins, Ryuhei-Eiho. This lot, by the way, has no return privilege. That is understandable, as it is a lot. But then, almost all items sold in Yahoo Japan auctions are not returnable. That is how the business is carried out there in Japan. Someone just may be fooled by that one coin and submit a high bidding. I doubt very much though.

Nice Find

2007-06-09T23:09:00.000-07:00

Persistant scrutinizing paid off for Bill Dunkle.

This is one of the coins in an unattributed lot of Kanei he bought. He tried matching it against one of my catalogs and Ogawa's work but nothing in iron with the exact match. However, he did find a coin matching his in copper only issue. He says he lost a lot of sleep trying to attribute this coin. And thanks to Bill, I am losing mine. It is 2:45am now.

When he first sent me a photo of this coin, I thought it was just a common Sendai mint coin. The photo did not show any key elements for further attribution. However, he decided to send the actual coin to me. It became clear to me that it is not from Sendai. He thought it could be J-33, 1708 issue from Kameido mint. Actually it is J-34. My description of J-34 about the central hole being larger is inaccurate. Please disregard. Here is a much clearer rubbing of this variety. You can copy and paste. The major difference between J-33 and 34 is the right arm of Ei 永. J-34 is shorter than 33.

I took two photos and attached a J-34 for comparison. I believe this works.

There are some iron Kanei coins known of copper only issues. It is not the same as dual metal issues, where both copper and iron were issued by the mints. This one, I believe, is not recorded. Bill's hawk-eye surely paid off.

More on this as I get feedbacks from Japan. Any feedbacks from this blog readers?

Some Funky Cash Coins

2007-06-05T12:16:00.000-07:00

I like the Hai-To Kanei because I like the Kanei series. This one is nicely made. It is a seed only issue. Just hoped it was genuine. If you know the real coin, the differences are obvious.

The large coin is supposedly a pattern for the Ryukyu 200 mon or Han-Shu. This pattern has been around since the Meiji period. Some authorities doubt it ever existed as a pettern, however. Perhaps it was created as a curio. This coin pictured is a copy of that curio.

Sendai Tsuho is a fun little square coin. Here I have 6 little coins. All are in copper or seed. Can you tell which one/ones is/are BAD? HINT: the only way you can tell is if you know what the three varieties look like, Sho-Yo, Chu-Yo, and Tai-Yo.

Munro's Coins of Japan

2007-05-23T12:32:00.000-07:00

This item is being offered on eBay now. For those who have been wanting a copy, this is a good chance to acquire one. What is it worth? At this state of preservation, is it worth more or less than a reprint? In this case, I would rather own a reprint edition. What are your thoughts?

From eBay seller: "Condition: Reading copy. Ex library with many library markings. Book has been library rebound. Cover is worn. Lettering on spine is handwritten. One of the plates is missing — however a color photo of that plate from another book is included. The missing plate is between page 6 & 7 and titled “Primitive Treasure.” There are also many small tears throughout the book and some of the tears have been repaired with scotch tape that has since discolored. Binding is tight. Even though the condition of this book is far from idea, it is still a very rare volume and full of useful information and images."

Item #180121530065

UPDATE: It brought $106. If you collect Japanese cash coins, this book is a MUST.

Bunroku Tsuho

2007-05-22T11:35:00.000-07:00

Bunroku Tsuho

Polder says this coin was minted in silver and copper and illustrates a copper coin as figure no.38 that measures 21.5mm, but its weight is unknown. Obviously, he did not have a sample for weighing. He also says that figure no. 39 is that of a silver issue. However, his fig.39 is a small uninscribed blank. Munro illustrates two examples or two distinctly different varieties in silver. This is what he says about the copper coin: "A copper coin is spoken of; but does not exist. Forgeries are shown by dealers, however, to tempt the uninitiated."

The above photo is that of a copper coin currently being offered by a dealer. So perhaps a copper issue does exist? Or is this one of those copper coins Munro was referring to? Everyone should know the answer to this right?

UPDATE 5.26 Someone just paid $100 for this.

More Genho Tsuho Varieties

2007-05-17T15:11:00.000-07:00

Been a spell since I did an attribution to this series of coins called the GENHO TSUHO. I am adding 6 more varieties today.

1A2 - this is a sub-variety of 1A already mentioned below. It is one dot TSU. The crown of HO is even with the top of the square rim (1A is lower)

2A2 - a sub-variety of 2A. Two dots in TSU. The right leg of GEN is much longer than 2A passing well beyond the corner of the square rim.

1B1.3 - a sub-variety of 1B. One dot TSU. Resembles 1B1.1 but the left leg of GEN is even with the corner of the square rim.

1B1.2 - One dot TSU. This also resembles 1B1.1 but the right character HO is slimmer and slightly taller and the top of TSU much longer.

2D3 - Two dot TSU, small characters, resembles 2D2 but GEN seems to lean to the right because of the second stroke of GEN is not written straight.

2D4 - Two dot TSU, small characters, resembles 2D1 but GEN smaller and its right leg not as long as 2D1.

New Book on Japanese Cash Coins

2007-05-11T16:46:00.000-07:00

Brand new book on a rare subject called HISTORY AND GUIDE TO THE COPPER CASH COINAGE OF JAPAN by Robert M. Jones.

This reference book is 8.5x11 inches, illustrated card covers, 154 numbered pages, copyright 2007, frontispiece penned by Ogawa Hiroshi. It begins with a newly edited, revised, and annotated version of the Polder's Abridged History of the Copper Coins of Japan with the original plates. It is NOT the same as the simple xerox copy of the work published in the 80s. This new work is a totally overhauled edtion. Following it is a nine page paper called the Enigma Surrounding the Medieval Coinage of the Ryukyu Islands in which the writer disproves the notion that the so-called Ryuyku cash coins of the 15th century could have been made in Okinawa or the Ryukyu. This paper is followed by the Attribution Guide to the Cash Coins of Japan with identifying features describing 356 types and varieties from the Nara-Heian Period through the Meiji restoration.

Many Faces of Nisui Ei Kanei Tsuho

2007-05-04T16:53:00.000-07:00

Quick Attribution Guide to Ni Sui Ei Varieties (Ko-Kanei Tsuho)

Top of Tsu 通 written with マ
Top of Tsu 通written with コ
Top of reverse with a character, usually three (3) 三
Top of reverse with a dot

These coins are perhaps the most popular varieties within the Kanei Tsuho series.

Showa Shoho (Antique Sen)

2007-04-30T14:43:00.000-07:00

The coin on the left has been listed before on this site. A new one came on the market, which is the coin on your right. Both of these reproductions are very nicely made. In fact, they are scary! Obviously, the two coins were cast from the same mold. There are telltale signs, which I used arrows to point. Caveat emptor!

Silver Eiraku Tsuho

2007-04-28T14:55:00.000-07:00

This often comes up on eBay from a seller in China. The seller also has a Kaigen Tsuho in silver. These items are cute to have as reference pieces.

Unusual Japanese Yokohama Postcard

2007-04-28T14:47:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I spend hours looking at offerings of Yokohama postcards. Most cards are of common sites, and they appear time after time. However, this card is very scarce. As a child, I remember going inside this station. It was about a block away from where I lived. By the late 60s, the police station relocated to a new building, which was only a few blocks away at a place called Kominato. There used to be a military housing in that area with PX, commissary, bowling alley, movie theater, and a school for the gaijin brats called Kinnicks or Yohi. Just a thought.

Which Coin is a Fake?

2007-04-20T18:36:00.000-07:00

Can you spot which coin is a fake? Or are they both real? Or are they both fakes?

More Better Fakes from China

2007-04-12T16:24:00.000-07:00

These are all repros. They look nice.

Pewter Tenpo Tsuho Seed Coin

2007-04-12T16:22:00.000-07:00

This item is from Yahoo Japan auction. It brought about $1,100 US dollars with very active bidding with 22 bidders.

Money Tree

2007-03-18T20:33:00.000-07:00

This interesting item came up on eBay recently. The description is as follows: “Japanese Money Tree. Almost eight inches from top to bottom. This piece was sold as lot #893 from Hans Schulman's October 1970, auction sale of the Howard D. Gibbs Collection of Primitive Money. Photographed in the catalog. Mikureia Tree of 12 Cash coins. 1774. Coin is Kwi-Gun Ku.
J&V. K315 (S-14). EF."

This item brought $406.

I do not know what “Mikureia” or “Kwi-Gun Ku” is. The year 1774 eludes me as well. It probably refers to the iron issue with reverse mintmark with Ma-To-Tsu? However, the obverse depicts the likeness of Maruyama-Sen or Edo coin of 1668.

These Eda-Sen or Money Tree is a fantasy created for the collectors. Sometimes, these “trees” are refereed to as “temple money.” They are a nice curio for display purposes. If someone wants one for display, I am sure it is worth $400, $4000 or $40. One has to keep in mind, however, that they are not genuine coins.

Very Nice Reproductions of Antique Coins

2007-02-02T17:35:00.000-08:00

These coins are well made imitations of the twelve antique coins. They even have wear and tear. Obviously, these coins were never buried for any length of time. They scarcely resemble the patina being buried for over 1000 years. You may argue that they may have never been buried. This argument is a very good point to consider. There are some coins without any hard patina having never been buried. Many coins, however, are recovered from Biwa Lake in Japan. Those coins have sedimentary patina, which was acquired from being under the water for 1000 or so years. Others have iron oxide patina, and still others have other types of patina such as calcium deposits depending on the chemical make-up of the soil. I am sure these imitations have some value. From their looks, I can say for sure that they are not contemporary to the period. Were they made in the last several years to fool collectors? I believe so. How does one attach values to these? They are good looking and attractive but still not genuine. If a collector is of good means, whatever that collector can afford to pay for them is a start. For someone with average means, perhaps $10-20 to keep as reference pieces. The initail price is determined by how much someone is willing to pay. The real value is determined by how much one can get for them when selling. It's a funky thing for sure.

Yokohama Japan Ferris Seminary

2007-02-02T16:47:00.000-08:00

This site would not let me load these two photos for attaching to the blog below. So, I place them here.

Yokohama Japan Ferris Seminary

2007-02-02T16:37:00.000-08:00

I realize this has nothing to do with pre-Meiji copper coins, and I apologize for that. This item, however, is of some interest. This school, Ferris Seminary, existed while Neil Gordon Munro worked and lived in Yokohama. The great earthquake of 1923 destroyed this school. It also destroyed Munro’s house. Aside from that, there is no real connection between Munro and Ferris School that I can find except that Munro knew of the existence of this school and that he worked close by, at his hospital (I have little or no idea on where I am heading with this writing).

Anyways, this illustrated “chit” is from the post-earthquake, issued ca. 1923 that was given out as a sort of receipt for a donation to rebuild the school. This is the only example that I am aware of. I sent an inquiry to the school asking about its early history. Sadly, to say, no reply was received. That seems to be the norm. Does anyone own another?

There is an interesting book written by the first graduate of this school called “In memory of Mrs. Kashi Iwamoto, the first graduate of Ferris Seminary : with a collection of her English writings” published in Yokohama in 1890 with a preface by Eugene Booth. Her writings are quite naïve but very observant. She writes with confidence. This is the first instance that I read genuine English by a non-native speaker/writer. Although everyone writes better than me, she writes much better than most trained American writers. The book is quite rare, but if you should chance upon a copy, read it.

I attach pics of a postcard addressed to one Ferris Booth of Yokohama, dated 1905. Eugene Booth was a headmaster of Ferris Seminary, so I figured this Ferris Booth was likely his son. I have no proof. Does anyone have any info on him? When a postcard came from overseas addressed simply as Yokohama in the early days, it found its target. You can see that the post office in Yokohama marked it “Yamate” in Japanese.

Neil Gordon Munro and Me

2006-12-21T16:49:00.000-08:00

This is a real funky stuff. We all know Munro wrote the best work on Japanese pre-Meiji coins, “Coins of Japan” in 1904. Yet, very few know that he was a medical doctor dabbling in anthropology and archaeology. His research on Ainu and stone-age implements are major contributions. However, we know very little about his medical practices.

We know he loved Japan and married a Japanese woman. He had his medical practice in Yokohama. From 1897-1901, he rented an office space at 85 Bluff, Yamate, Yokohama. However, he moved to 91 Bluff in 1902. I just realized I walked the same footsteps (same physical address) as Munro. The construction of a school, St. Joseph College, was underway at that physical address. The school moved to its larger quarters in 1904 from 43 Bluff.

I attended St. Joseph College for years. I can just imagine Munro working on his book in his office prior to his relocation to 91 Bluff. AND what a coincidence that the school moved there in 1904 and Munro publishing his book the same year. This is totally mind-boggling!

Check these links out for more information on Munro and St. Joseph College.

http://www.kaikou.city.yokohama.jp/journal/091/table.html

http://www.sjcusachapter.com/sub08.html

Bita Sen Market

2006-11-12T13:25:00.000-08:00

Globalization is interesting. While being beneficial to some, it is a nuisance to others. The market of all collectibles shifted in the last decade or so with the advent of the internet and the internet auctions. This “shift” is based on supply and demand, and it is constantly changing. In the end, the market adjusts itself. However, there is an old saying that “bad items drive the good items away.”

The Japanese swords on eBay are a good example. As 99.9% of the swords listed there today are reproductions made in China, this has driven away the sellers and the buyers of genuine Japanese swords. The reproductions are improving. Especially so are the NCO swords from WWII. As there are many excellent sites devoted to Japanese swords, this is not the place for such discussions. It is mentioned only as an example.

The shift on the Bita Sen market correlates directly to the market of genuine and fake Chinese coins offered from China and elsewhere. Some of the old-timers can recall when many Chinese coins were difficult to locate in the 60s, 70s, and the 80s. Items that sold for $50-$100 then are available today for a tiny fraction. In fact, they are so cheap and abundant that the demand for them is nil.

The same can be said of the Japanese Bita Sen. They were quite costly once. However, there seems to be a never-ending supply coming out of China today. This has taken a toll on their rarities and prices. The Bita Sen market in Japan just about collapsed. Nevertheless, there are still many buyers, but they are very careful and insist on buying only the most attractive coins at very reasonable prices.

From personal observations, I noticed that the commonest Japanese coins coming out of China are the type we call the Nagasaki Trade Coins made in the mid-1600s. This is followed by the Bita Sen of the 16th century. The Kajiki Sen, made around the same period, are much scarcer. As for the common Kanei Tsuho, they seem to be a rarity. From this information alone, one can do a study of flow of coins to China and elsewhere from Japan during the 16th and the 17th centuries. Obviously, from this simple data, one can conclude that post-Edo period coins did not flow out of Japan except for the Nagasaki coins. This is understandable, Japanese History 101.

Were some of the so-called Bita Sen made in China instead of Japan? I believe so. Furthermore, some coins attributed as Japanese Bita Sen by sellers with good intention (?) are not really Japanese coins at all. The field of Bita Sen is a tricky field. A good research on the subject is necessary.

These are some of the Bita Sen I found on the net.

Kaiki Shoho

2006-11-09T20:10:00.000-08:00

These eight coins are from the site of the Tokyo National Museum. They attribute the coins to 760 C.E. Back then, one gold cash was worth ten silver cash, and one silver cash was worth ten copper cash. So, this gold cash was worth 100 copper cash. I will be happy to give anyone 100 of my copper cash for any one of these.

Better Repros on the Market

2006-11-09T20:02:00.000-08:00

This would be a scarce seed coin if genuine. It is nicely made with good color and good metal. If one did not know what a genuine seed coin from this mint looked like, this can be a very scary piece. This piece, although not genuine, is a good piece to own for $10 as a study piece.

Another Saka-To Seed Coin?

2006-09-18T16:31:00.000-07:00

This image came from a Japanese auction. It realized $6000. Is it genuine? Doesn't it look quite similar to the fake coin illustrated below? What do you think?

Fake Ryukyu Kinen Seiho ?

2006-09-18T16:26:00.000-07:00

This coin was sold in Japan as a replica. Could it be a genuine coin that has been highly burnished? What do you think?

Me Trying to Attribute Coins

2006-09-03T15:32:00.000-07:00

This is an original drawing by my wife. It was done about 20 years ago. I don't remember ever looking like that.

Rare Kanei Tsuho Saka-To Variety

2006-09-02T13:01:00.000-07:00

This dark brown coin with powdery green patina appeared on Ebay. It is currenty being offered at "Buy Now" for $40. The other coin with light brown, coppery color is from a Japanese auction, which brought about $1200.

The Ebay coin is very nicely made. It has a good, period patina that one often sees with Kanei Tsuho coins. The characters are well-formed. If genuine, this coin is worth $3000+ in this condition. However, it is too nicely made, and there are very minor differences in how the characters are formed. On a genuine specimen, the top of the reverse character leans to left; this character on this coin does not. The left character 寶 on this coin leans slightly left; on a genuine coin the character is written straight. The very top of 寛 , a single, vertical stroke, is written at an agle; this stroke is straight on a genuine piece. The top of 通　（マ）is also different.

This coin is very attractively made, and it may just well be worth $40 for its workmanship, as long as others do not pop-up.

Nagasaki Trade Coins

2006-08-11T10:34:00.000-07:00

These are some nice Nagasaki trade coins made in the 17th century. All are seeds.

Informative Site on Japanese Cash Coins

2006-08-11T09:44:00.000-07:00

There is a very interesting site on Japanese cash coins. You can post photos and comments as well. The moderator is a very knowledgeable gentleman. Since the page is huge, it takes some time to load. Try it!
Here is the link: http://www.zeno.ru/showgallery.php?cat=746

More Seiko Tsuho

2006-07-29T16:39:00.000-07:00

Aiyaiyai! If a fake is being offered, please make a nice fake. This is from ebay. The seller does not mention that it is a copy.

WOW! How Time Flies on Japanese Cash Coins

2006-04-18T20:40:00.000-07:00

Reprinted from Japanese Cash Collectors Club, 1984 or 1985

Japanese cash coins were a new thingy then. Today, they are still new. Any decent writing in the last 20 years in English? The following were two of many letters to the club. The questions and the answers are printed here without being edited. This publication was “known” for its roughness. I was young then and a rebel. I am older today but still a rebel.
By the way, these two good friends are gone. George Fisher wrote the neatest KANJI. He wrote better than most Japanese and Chinese. Owen Fleming was from down-under. He had a superb collection of numismatic literature. I was able to procure a few rare works previously owned by him through a book dealer in Australia. George and Owen were great people.

FROM OWEN: Normal one bu silver are about 23.8mm by 15.4mm with a thickness of 2.8mm and a weight of 8.66 gms, and with all four sides cut or sheared, probably weight adjusted and then cherry blossom stamped, and “sadamied.”

My mystery is 20.5 x 14 x 2.8, is only cut on the long sides, as north and south are round edged, the cut ones are not impressed with cherry blossoms and have no angled millings and weighs only 6.50gms.

A normal piece has virtually straight edges-this one has top and bottom rounded as though cast in a bar shape and the two long cut sides slope inwards when sighted from the one bu silver face. What is it?

The type is J&V I 302-Ansei and the frames either side enclosing the characters, and the characters themselves are all of the same size: not complete but have been cut through with the closer shearing, and at north/south, not even a trace of them can be seen. There are the same north/south background lines in the frames enclosing the characters and SADAME is well impressed and is possibly a little larger than some of my specimens.

(Ed. Note: At the time, I had no idea what he was talking about. I still don’t. My answer? See below.)

ANSWER---I don’t know. Anyone out there with an answer? How about you Joe Boling? You collect these “gizmos” don’t you?

FROM GEORGE: Can you tell me anything about a large (about 34.5mm x 34.5mm) “rounded square” Sendai Tsuho copper coin I have? It weighs about 18.7 grams and, with the large space available, the 4 kanji are much more elegant than those on the small Sendai Tsuho either in iron or copper. Herbert J. Cook of Olympic Coin Gallery didn’t know for sure, but thought it was an E-Sen.

ANSWER---E-Sen? That’s cute! People tend to label everything E-Sen if it is not listed in reference works. Well, I’ve seen two of these in the past and another one was offered to me for $60 from a dealer who specializes in Chinese cash. It’s worth about a fifth of that. This is just a blown-up fantasy of Sendai tsuho.

Somewhere, someone is always trying to fool collectors by making these things. They are fun and interesting, but don’t mistaken them for rarities. Acquire these issues only as a curio, and don’t pay a bundle either. This reminds me. In the Sept. 1983 Hong Kong auction by The Money Co., there was a lot#770 described as “16 Piece Sample Set of Provincial Shiken Sen, 100 Mon Coins Struck in Lead.” Come off it! An estimated value of $500 and up? These things are not old and certainly not mint made coins. Struck in lead? And I thought all the Japanese cash were cast, not struck. My pal in Japan tells me these things are fantasies created in the 1970s. Did any of you bid on that lot? Another one from the same auction. Lot#264, “The Shogun’s Treasure Oban.” Do they really expect us to believe these tall-tales? Perhaps I should start consigning my fantasies to these auctions. I could make a killing!

(Ed. Note: Japanese Cash Collectors Club was rough. I tackled everything. The above is just a small sampling. Wanna read more? Come back often. Stuff I wrote will blow your minds. Another fellow that issued these thoughts was John Novak. He wrote quite a bit in the 1960s. He was my kind of man!)

Why do Cash Coins have Square Holes?

2006-04-17T13:56:00.000-07:00

A picture paints a thousand words.

Fantasies of Odabe

2006-04-17T13:51:00.000-07:00

Ichiro Odabe

Probably the most famous maker of fantasy pieces during the Taisho Period was Ichiro Odabe. He had an unusual imagination and made many fantasy coins of excellent quality. They are all fine pieces and attractive; he had a fine casting technique too. Lately, since his fantasies are widely recognized and collected, many inferior castings are flooding the market. These secondary copies should not be mistaken for originals, which have no value. He never restricted himself only with fantasies and made fine copies of Tosa Kanken and Tosa Tsuho.

Me

2006-04-15T16:54:00.000-07:00

This is me trying to figure out whether I have a common or a rare Kanei Tsuho. From the "looks" of the TSU 通, it is a common coin. But wait, could it be a マ頭通? I should check the reverse. This is a bad joke; only the specialists of this series would understand.

Unique Hakata Ginban

2006-04-15T16:50:00.000-07:00

Hakata Ginban

Although no collector ever possessed this rarity, its existence was known throughout the numismatic community for centuries. This elusive, historical item became a reality with the discovery of its first specimen during an estate sale (an estate that dates back to the Muromachi Period) in Fukuoka, Kyushu. An antique dealer knowledgeable in numismatics “spotted” it among numerous other articles. (This Ginban has not seen a light of day for over eight centuries.) This dealer made an offer for the Ginban, a price in the five-figures (conveted to US currency). However, Okumura Takeshi, a local historian, persuaded the owner that the item should not be sold to the dealer, and that it should remain in the community. He was successful.

The illustration above is a drawing by us. The inscriptions on the obverse are: Haka-Ta, Aratame-Sho, Shou-An-Ni-Ten　博多　改所　正安二天. It was made ca. 1300 A.D. On the reverse (not illustrated) are several characters, but only one is clear, the character of Naga 長. As you can see from the illustration, the piece was “holed” to be used as a sword guard.

Perhaps while on the subject, I should mention a sister of this piece, Hakata Kinban (one made of gold). The whereabouts of this gold issue is unknown. It was a part of a cultural history maintained by Kushida Temple. The Kinban was “borrowed” during the American occupation, and it is still being “borrowed.”

Ancient Silver Coins of Japan?

2006-04-13T17:12:00.000-07:00

Ancient Silver Coins of Japan?

There have been sporadic illustrations of the so-called silver discs in old Japanese numismatic literatures, and the discs were surrounded with mystery, as only four specimens were known to exist. The research and study, not to mention the actual viewing of the four specimens were rare. However, in 1940, eleven silver disks surrounding a small chest were found in Shiga-Ken, Otsushi. According to some numismatic researchers of the time, the discs were attributed as simple ornaments or funeral offerings.

The measurements are as follows:
1) 8.8g….30.2mm
2) 35.6g…39.5mm
3) 10g…...30.5mm
4) 9.6g…..31.6mm
5) 8.8g…..31.6mm
6) 9.5g…..30.6mm
7) 8.2g…..28.1mm
8) 9.2g…..31.3mm
9) 6.7g…..30.0mm
10) 8.9g…..29.2mm
11) 10g……29.4mm

Some matters are too easily dismissed. Since the ten specimens average 9grams, these discs may have been used as currency. The heaviest disc weighing 35.6 grams was likely sliced into thinner pieces as this specimen is not holed, and the weight differs considerably from the rest.

Lots More to Come

2006-04-08T19:21:00.000-07:00

Been overwhelmed with schoolwork recently, but the spring break is near. Keep checking back. Will be writing lots more soon.

Rare Japanese Paleoliths Paper by MUNRO

2006-03-26T09:16:00.000-08:00

Rare Paper by Neil Gordon Munro

Munro’s writings are very difficult to find. Especially so are the papers he wrote for The Asiatic Society of Japan. This particular work is titled, “Reflections of Some European Palaeoliths and Japanese Survivals.” It was published in 1909 for the Society as pages 126-158 including twenty-eight full-page plates on glossy stock.

Although this work has nothing to do with numismatics, it is, nevertheless, quite interesting to read. WorldCat lists only one other holding, so it is safe to assume that this title is very rare. Someday, if lucky, 1905 edition of the Coins of Japan may fall into this hand. Does anyone know the circumstances surrounding the 1905 edition?

Rare Seiko Tsuho

2006-03-19T13:51:00.000-08:00

This is a rare variety of Seiko Tsuho called Migi-Yori-Sei-Ko (See the article below for discussion). This particular variety is worth about twenty of the common ones.

Tenpo Tsuho Again? Yup! But this is worth $250!

2006-02-16T17:42:00.000-08:00

This is a common variety of this oblong coin called the Tenpo Tsuho、天保通宝 . This coin is a run-of-the-mill variety. So why is this worth $250 and not $10? It is worth $250 because....

Bantan Sen バンタン銭

2006-02-16T17:38:00.000-08:00

These odd coins resembling "cash coins" are said to have been cast in Indonesia. Other than that, not much is known about them. Japanese collectors usually add a few of these coins in their collections as a curio.

When were they made? Did they actually circulate? How extensive are the types and varieties of these curoius coins? What are their values?

They are unanswered questions. My opinion? They were made during the mid-1700s to early1800s for trading purposes and never achieved a standard as an official currency. As we find remnants of this coinage in Japan, China, Singapore, Indonesia, Netherlands and other seafaring countries, it is obvious that it enjoyed some status as a trade coinage. The value of these coins is dormant as there is no attribution guide for the series. The coins usually trade for five to twenty dollars a piece. This field is still unresearched, and anyone can become an expert, if willing.

AMAGOI SEN

2006-02-12T08:33:00.000-08:00

Illustrated is a Kanei Tsuho coin from 1668. This coin was filed on the obverse and the reverse. Some farmers, during a drought, made a representation of an umbrella by using a file. They donated these coins to a local temple, saisen-bako. Did they work?

I owned six or seven such coins over the years and probably saw another five to ten coins for sale. They were all Shin Kanei Tsuho. It is likely that this "creation" was only limited to a handful of villages and only during certain period. Some have filings on obverse or reverse only. These coins are legitimate "post-casting" variety and collected as such. They retail for about $20 for a common undertype. Of course, if the undertype is a scarcer type or a variety then the price will reflect that.

Nagasaki Genho Tsuho

2006-01-24T12:35:00.000-08:00

This is part two of this series and a final chapter. Scrutinizing for minute differences is very tiring. My school started a few days ago, and I must save my eyesight, whatever that is left, for other purposes.

Double Dot Tsu 　通

This type with the double dots is a bit more difficult to attribute as there are many more varieties than the single dot type. The first part will consist of those varieties with the large characters; the second part will be of the small character varieties.

For the 2A varieties, the right leg of "Gen"　元　is long, and it protrudes from the corner of the square rim. The character "Ho"　寶　is medium sized, and its legs are about even with the bottom corner of the square hole.

For the 2B varieties, the key point of reference will be the large size of the character "Ho" 寶　with its legs positioned far below the coner of the square hole.

For the 2C varieties, the right leg of "Gen" 元　is long and curves up high; its left leg is short and seems unbalanced.

For the 2D varieties, all characters are small.

2A Both legs of 元　protrudes slightly from the corners of the square rim. The top of 通　is small. An average coin measures 24mm.

2A.1 Although the right leg of 元　protrudes slightly from the corner of the square rim, the left leg is even with the corner. The top of 通　is large.The tail of 通　is long. An average coin measures 24mm.

2A.1-1 The right leg of 元　is especially long, and it almost touches the character 豊 . The top of 通　is large like the above but its tail is much shorter. An average coin measures 24mm.

2B Although quite close, both legs of 元　do not reach the corners of the square rim. The character 寶　is large. An average coin measures 24.4mm.

2B.1 Quite similar to the above but the character 豊　is larger and the top of the character protrudes slightly above the corner of the square rim. An average coin measures 24mm.

2B.1-1 Quite similar to the above but the right leg of 元　is long, and it protrudes from the corner of the square rim. An average coin measures 24mm.

2B.2 The character 寶　is much smaller compared to the above three varieties. 豊　is written low. Both legs of 元　are even with the corners of the squate rim. An average coin measures 24mm. This is non-magnetic.

2C The right leg of 元　is long and protrudes past the corner of the square rim, and it curves up high. Its left leg is short. The second horizontal stroke of the character is especially long, and it nearly touches the right leg. All characters are medium size. An average coins measures 23.8mm.

2C.1 The right leg and the second horizontal stroke of 元　are shorter than the above. The character 豊　is written higher. and the top of it clearly protrudes above the corner of the square rim. An average coin measures 23mm.

2C.2 All characters are confidently written. Unlike the above two varieties, 通　is centered below the square rim. 豊　is written higher, and its rightvertical line of the top of its character is much longer than the left stroke. The right leg of 元　is about even or only slightly protrudes from the corner of the square rim. An average coin measures 23.6mm.

2D The right leg of 元　is about even with the corner of the square rim. 豊　and　寶　are very small and written high. This variety is unsually non-magnetic. An average coin measures 23.8mm.

2D.1 The right leg of 元　is short . 豊 and　通 are larger than the above. An average coin measures 24mm.

2D.2 The tip of the right leg of 元　curves slightly outward. The left leg of 寶is curved and kicks outward. 豊　is written slightly lower compared to the positioning of 寶. An average coin measures 23.6mm.

　　　　 END 終 FIN

Genuine or Not Genuine

2006-01-21T10:19:00.000-08:00

There are six coins illustrated, obverse and reverse, of Mito Tora Sen, Ryukyu Tsuho, Akita Tsuba Sen, and Tosa Tsuho. Three out the six are genuine. Can you tell which ones? Just click "comment" below and that will take you to the "comment" page. Click "unanimous" and type in the letters that google displays. Click "publish." It requires no name and no email address is necessary. It is totally "unanimous," and I do not work for NSA.

Wado Kaiho Genuine? Reproduction?

2006-01-19T15:44:00.000-08:00

As always, there are countless counterfeits on the market, everything from the commonest to the rarest. Most are sold as reproductions but when they change hands repeatedly, anything can happen. The photos are of Wado Kaiho 和同開珎 Wado Kaichin, first coinage of Japan cast around 708 A.D. All of these are recent production. The group of coins, illustrated, is still in the “rough.” The other images went through a “face lift” with applied patina. Are they lurking in your collection as genuine? Even a common variety, if genuine, is worth $300 to $1000, depending on the condition.

Attribution Guide to Genho Tsuho Part One

2006-01-18T10:15:00.000-08:00

This is a new research project of mine. Rather than to place whatever little information I have on the back burner, I have decided to post it here, in the rough. All of the varieties seem to be quite common, although made 350 years ago. The list is not complete by any means. Two types are noted within this series: single dot 通　and double dot 通 (cannot write a character with double dot). Today, we will post those varieties that are found with a single dot. The coins belong to me and I did not search out the best available specimens.

Genho Tsuho 元豊通寶
Single Dot Tsu　通　

1AProper 元 and all other characters are properly written as well. This variety is usually nicely made and on a large planchet measuring an average of 24.4mm.

1A.1 Quite similar to the above but the right leg of 元 is positioned evenly with the corner of the square hole. 豊　is positioned high, and the top of its character protrudes above the horizontal line of the square hole. The characterists of the planchet is similar to the above.

1A.1-1This is the same variety as the above but cast from a circulation issue. The characters are thick, and it is on a smaller planchet measuring 23.8mm. This issue is non-magnetic.

1BThis variety has smaller characters and on a smaller planchet compared to 1A and its sub-varieties. 元 seems larger than the other characters, and its left leg is even with the corner of the square hole. The second stroke of　元　leans left. 豊　is tall, and it is about even or protrudes slightly above the hortizontal line of the square hole. An average coin measures 23.5mm.

1B.1The left leg of　元　is short. Compared to the above, 寶　is lower and its right leg passes below the corner of the square hole. The planchet quality and the measurement are similar to the above.

1B.1-1The left leg of 元　is long, and it is high above the horizontal line of the square hole. The right vertical line of the top of 豊　is shorter than the left. 寶　is much smaller that the above variety. The planchet quality and the measurement are similar to the above.

What are Seed Coins? What are Mother Coins?

2006-01-17T21:36:00.000-08:00

"Seed" coins and "mother" coins are the same. In Japan, a "seed" coin is called a "Bo-Sen" 母銭 or a "mother" coin. In the West, we call it a "Tane-Sen" 種銭 or a "seed" coin. As long as the collectors understand each other that is what matters. For the record, it was Munro who started calling it a "Tane-Sen" in 1904, and that term got stuck in our minds. Perhaps, during Meiji Period even the Japanese collectors called it a "Tane." Or did they? For simplification purposes we will refer to it as "Bo-Sen" within this writing.

This is what Munro says: "Tane sen is one which is used to make impression on the clay moulds into which the metal is poured to make coin. They are therefore of the best and clearest design and are much in demand, being also rarer than the ordinary sen." Munro makes it simple enough.

Bo-Sen was, almost always, made from copper, and served the same purpose as our standard coin dies. Let us try to understand Bo-Sen in more details. First, an artist prepares a drawing of a proposed coin on paper. Then, a wooden model is carved, followed by a casting of a pewter sample. From this pewter sample is born a copper Bo-Sen.

Illustrated is a Bo-Sen made at the Morioka mint in 1866. This coin is what collectors call a 4 mon coin as the value was 4 mon. Four smaller cash coins equal 4 mon. On the obverse are the characters of Kan-Ei-Tsu-Ho, 寛永通寶, and on the reverse is the character "Mori" 盛 for Morioka mint. The circulating issue of this variety was cast in iron. This, being a Bo-Sen, is made of copper. An iron issue in average condition is worth perhaps $10; this Bo-Sen is worth perhaps $200. A Bo-Sen of this nature is easily identified for obvious reasons. It gets a bit trickier to identify a Bo-Sen when the circulating issues are made from copper, too. In the near future, we will cover, in more details, hot to identify other types of Bo-Sen, so come back often to this homepage.

Tenpo Tsuho Cast Coinage of Japan Value 100

2006-01-17T16:25:00.000-08:00

This oblong, bronze coin, authorized on the 15th day of the 6th month, 1835, had an official weight of 5 monme 5 bu (20.62 grams) when first issued. For unknown reasons, on the 11th day of the 9th month, same year, the weight increased by an additional 3 bu and weighed 21.75 grams. (Note: A mint state specimen in my collection, cast at the main Honza mint, weighs 20.46 grams.) Tenpo Tsuho coinage was quite a popular issue for the mints and its casting continued until the 4th month of 1869. Although its composition varied widely, officially, the metallic content was set to: 78% copper, 12% lead, and 10% tin.

According to the records provided by the Japanese Finance Department, the mintage was about half a billion. Accordingly, due to its huge mintage, collectors can still acquire a sharp specimen of a common variety for less than ten dollars. Many minor variations in calligraphy exist, and such varieties determine the rarity and price. This introductory essay is for the general audience, and as such, introduction to varieties and complex attribution of this series will not be discussed here. However, do keep in mind, for now, that a coin resembling another in almost all details may be worth $100 or even $500 just because of a minute difference in how the calligraphy was formed.

Tenpo Tsuho is a curious coin. Upon the edges, at approximately 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock positions, a hand-punched floral motif is seen. Some refer to this punch as a petal of a cherry-blossom. The size and the shape of the punches differ somewhat as the casting took place in various mints, both legal and illegal. Three distinct sizes exist: small, medium and large. None of the sizes plays a crucial role in its rarity. Sometimes one finds a double-punched petal. If the first punch was off-centered and too close to the rim, or if the stamp was only partially visible, re-punching was necessary. Such an error is quite scarce.

Rare Japanese Cash Coins Reference Work

2006-01-12T20:02:00.000-08:00

Abridged History of the Copper Coins of Japan by Leon Van De Polder

This is the earliest reference work treating on Japanese cash coins in English. It was issued as a part of Asiatic Society of Japan bulletins, as Vol. XIX, 1890/1891. I believe there were only about 200 members back then so this work is quite a rarity. I have owned a Xerox copy done by Bruce Smith, ca.1985, one tattered original, and this copy, which I consider possibly the finest known. According to WorldCat, there are only six holdings, four in the US and two in GB.

The first page is not numbered and starts with the page number 420 and goes to page number 500, with 25 plates of hand-drawn cash coins, together with an article titled Note on the Eiraku-Sen by J. H. Wigmore. This is a three plus page article without any illustration.

Unlike Munro, who was a collector, Polder sounds like a historian. Hewrites about edicts and historical accounts of the coinage. This makes for a very interesting reading. Although much rarer than Munro, I would recommend a Xerox copy instead of the original. Afterall, where can you find the original?

Coins of Japan

2006-01-12T19:24:00.000-08:00

Coins of Japan by Neil Gordon Munro

This is the best book on the subject ever written in English language. The original edition was published in Yokohama in 1904. There is a wealth of information contained within these pages. What is more incredible is the amount of illustrations, rubbings and full-page plates, 25 cromolithographic plates (fancy word for tinted plates often used to illustrate coins on early 1900 postcards, I think) to illustrate Oban, Koban, and other gold and silver coinage. Also, there is a rare color plate of Magatama.

Munro covers everything from pre-Wado Kaiho (Kaichin) to Bita Sen, E-Sen to Shima Sen, provincial issues to cash coins we don't even know about. This book is a catalog but it reads like a fine biography. One-hundred years went by since the publication. I doubt if anyone can write a better book on Japanese cash coins in a thousand years.

I owned 5-6 original edition in the last 25 years. I kept the first one I ever bought in 1980 (see photos above).This is a rebound edition with its original covers and spine. The interior is quite fresh and has none of those age spots. All the tissue guards are present and it is a presentation copy by Munro. I just could not part with it since there is a photo of my son playing with it in 1982. I paid $150 back then. It was a lot of money to me then, still is.

Nowadays, a decent copy will fetch between $500 and $750. It is worth every penny but best make sure there are all of the plates and things present. Even a reprint will cost a pretty penny today. It is Ok but the Magatama plate is missing, and the colored engraving is black and white, etc. Can not expect too much from a reprint. WorldCat lists 44 holdings for the original 1904 edition and an additional 3 copies for the 1905 London edition.