The last of the 12 Antique Coins. Kengen Taiho 乾元大寶。(958). Hartill 1.70. Extremely Rare* The quality of these issues were so poor and debased that the calligraphy and make shows a lack of detail to even making a decent coin. Small in size and often with a high degree of lead content thus earning it the moniker "white coins". Many court officials distanced themselves from association with these coins thus accounting for their poor calligraphy. The populace rejected these coins and led to many resorting back to other medium of trade and import of superior coins from China. By 987, a decree prohibited the use of cash and it will be another 500 years before Japan started minting their own coins.
My first serious numismatic goal (beyond filling albums of modern US coins) was a type set of Japan, Tokugawa through modern. How long I have drooled over the Twelve Antique Coins! Sincerest congratulations!
@Finn235 Thanks.. I have written a featured article here on the 12 sometime back. I have been hunting for the 12 for years.. I doubt I can finish all 12 but here is what I have at the moment
Thanks.. Getting the next 3 is a possibility in the distant future.. But the last one in the middle would probably be the breaker. Because of cost primarily
