I had time to try to track down the identity of the large and cool Japanese coin provided by my Secret Saturn (as TIF put it). It had me stumped trying to learn the Japanese letters and numbers and the translate the inscriptions. I remember "ichi! ni! san! shi!" from my Karate days (Japanese numbers 1! 2! 3! 4!) but we never learned to read or write anything. :-( Finally, I broke down and did what any sensible 7 year old would do and googled it. After a while I figured out it is this: Japan 100 Mon, Tempo Tsuho C# 7 (1835-70) Bronze, 20.7 gm. 49mmx32mm (big!) Obverse: Vertical inscription Obverse Inscription: Ten-Ho (Tempo) Tsu-Ho Reverse: Vertical inscription Reverse Inscription: To Hyaku (value 100) Edge Description: Smooth rim with validation mark at left and right Note: Cast at Edo (Tokyo), Osaka and some provincial mints. Large center hole. Varieties exist. See: https://www.ngccoin.com/price-guide...o-tsuho-c-7-(1835-70)-cuid-117864-duid-302028 I had trouble fitting the whole coin in the frame using my macro set up. It is a very satisfying coin because of its large size, weight and interesting shape. I really appreciate the gift and it has gotten me interested in Japanese coins and art again. Now I need to work on figuring out the Chinese gift coin. John
Very nice! I still need to get myself one of these. If you need any hints, I can probably help. You can send me pics and I'll give you prods in the right direction without giving a full ID.
I have always liked that type, and I now have a very strong suspicion as to the identity of your Secret Santa Saturn... Those are not only a cool shape, but they're nice and relatively big, too. And they're nicely affordable, since those big huge gold Ōban pieces are untouchable by most of us mere mortals.
Will add that I'm sorry to have missed out on the fun. Was too busy with distracted by other stuff to read up on it, I suppose.
I studied Shorin-ryu for several years in college. I never made it to black belt and sometimes toy with the idea of taking it up again now 30 years later. It is certainly very good exercise.
