Description
Denomination: Japanese Silver Ichibu. hammered rectangular coin
Period: Emperor Komei. Ansei Era
Date: c1854
Origin: Unknown Japanese mint
Condition: VF. slight weakness of strike to obverse
Obverse: Rectangular coin with frame of cherry blossoms in surround. legend in Japanese reads Ichibu Gin (One Bu Silver)
Reverse: Again a frame of cherry blossoms. legend reads Jo Ginza Joze (Guaranteed. Silver Mint. Officer at Mint)
Size and Weight: 24 x 16.5mm. 8.55g
References: KM C#16a
Features and Provenance: This little Japanese coin exudes history. It was made at the end of the era when the Samurai were the feared warrior ruling class. With reform on the way the Samurai were ‘paid off’ to take on new roles as farmers etc and the old coinage was taken in to melt down. however. traditions died hard and this favourite coin along with its sister Nanryo Gin was hoarded by Samurai and peasants alike. When trade opened up these coins were also an inflationary problem for Japan. An American could convert $4 into 12 Ichibu Gin which could be traded for the equivalent in gold coins. these could then be exchanged for $12 leading to a drain on gold reserves from Japan and a large demand for Ichibu Gin!
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
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