Japanese Gold 2 Bu Bar Coin Meiji Period 1868-1869

Description

Denomination: 2 gold bu

Period: Japanese Emperor Meiji

Date: 1868-1869

Origin: Kinza, Edo (Tokyo) mint

Condition: EF

Obverse Kirimon flower crests top and bottom, in the centre the value 2 bu

Reverse Characters for the Mint Official and his signature, Mitsutsugu

Size and Weight: 19mm, 3g

References: JNDA# 9-29

Features and provenance: These rectangular electrum coins were introduced during great changes in Japan. They are officially called ‘nibu-kin’, meaning 2 gold Bu, but are also known as ‘Samurai coins’ as they were first issued by the Tokugawa shogunate. They were produced from about 22% gold and 78% silver, introduced to regulate the amount of gold that was leaving the country with increase in world trade.

Condition Summary. This varies with the age of coin and there are grades between

Uncirculated (U). As struck with no traces of wear

Extremely Fine (EF). Very slight traces of wear, all parts of legend etc present, visible and clear

Very Fine (VF). Some signs of wear on the higher parts of the relief. all parts of legend etc present, but maybe worn

Fine (F). Wear on the coin and parts of legend etc may be missing or not visible