Japan. Tokugawa Shogunate. Koban-Kin 小判金。 Bunsei (文政) period. 1819-1828 Weight: 3.5 momme (13.1g). 55.9% Gold. Hartill Early Japanese Coins 8.23. This unique and interesting gold alloy coins were larger denominational currencies used during the Tokugawa period. Introduced from 1601, they lasted throughout the ShogunaShogunate right until the birth of Meiji Restoration. Whilst the overall design appears similar, the gold content gradually reduced over successive regnal periods right up to the the Manon period which debased to only a quarter of the original size and weight. The Koban-Kin were also culturally influential. Until today, these Koban designs can be seen on various charms and cultural icons such as the Japanese Lucky Cat featuring a plump calico with one raised paw and the other holding on to a Koban.
Very nice coin! I've seen a few of them while I was in Tokyo. I believe JNDA is a decent reference for koban as well. Haven't looked at Hartill. These coins still hold decent premium for the past few years. The only "koban" that I have is a silver ginban from Akita province. Not as great compared to your koban however still nice to own one.
JNDA is also a good reference. I just happened to have Hartill's which is an excellent source as it is. Your's is a very nice Akita 秋田 4 momme 6 fun. A very nice looking coin. I have one too to share
There's also the Akita 9 momme 2 fun and the morioka 8 momme ginbans. I am also looking for the 9 momme Akita to hopefully complete a full set
Never seen these before either...but @Loong Siew you should have named this thread "Samurai Coins" I'm only kidding...a little It's great seeing threads about less commonly discussed coins.
Thanks.. Come to think of it Jwt708, that wouldn't be a bad idea. Unfortunately I don't quite know how to change a thread title... Still quite new with the mechanics here...
Akita 9 momme 2 fun can be obtained as long as one is willing to fork out a fair bit of money. Morioka 8 momme however is a lot less common. It's interesting that if you go to shrines, they do offer plated koban for sale which is definitely more affordable for school children. I still own mine that I bought a long time ago.
Oh.. I never seen that before.mit would be interesting as a nice souvenir from those shrines... This proves the point how much an impact these kobans have culturally
There is definitely more than just cultural importance of koban. While I am certain that shrines used to sell replica kobans, I cannot say for certainty now. However I am sure tourists spots will not fail to have some of these. There is an interesting phrase in Japanese 'neko ni koban'. This literally means giving a koban to a cat. If you think about it, it's worthless to give something valuable to someone who does not appreciate it. However if you walk into a Japanese restaurant or business, you may see a maneki neko (with a koban) which is a customer luring cat. More information can be seen here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maneki-neko And lastly if you ever watch pokemon, the creators have sneakily put in a koban as well. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meowth
