I've had my eyes on Koban for a while now and Jane's Auction World in Tokyo just had a great auction with plenty of fine examples on display. I was able to snag a Tempo Era koban and received it yesterday and was really really satisfied with the way Auction World shipped the coin and how it is presented! Here is a little info on this particular type of Koban: JAPAN, Tempo Era. Edo (Tokyo) mint, c. 1837-1858 AV Koban, 11.22g (31mm x 59mm). Elongated gold piece with several punch marks. At this point during the Shogunate, Kobans contained about 56% gold and the 46% silver. They were originally 100% gold when created in the 1600's and were continually debased as time went on. One Ryo, or Koban, was worth about one year's worth of rice apparently, and were created as the Portuguese were not interested in trading for rice. A pretty amazing piece of history and unusual coinage. Fits well with the time period as Japanese way of life differed immensely with that of the foreigners who traded there. Tempo Koban by Mrktstrtmyhm posted Nov 3, 2021 at 9:08 AM Tempo Koban by Mrktstrtmyhm posted Nov 3, 2021 at 9:08 AM Koban Presentation by Mrktstrtmyhm posted Nov 3, 2021 at 9:08 AM
Thanks! Auction World in Tokyo has been an amazing experience. Only an 11% buyers fee too compared to 18-20% you see normally in Europe/N. America.
I recommend Auction World in Tokyo. They were 10/10 for customer services/shipping/handling..everything. Only an 11% buyers fee too!
