The Value and Market Basics of Bunsei Nishugin

Bunsei Nishugin is a silver coin born under the stable economic conditions of the late Edo period, noted for its high silver purity and historical value.

Introduction of Bunsei Nishugin

Bunsei Nishugin was minted in Bunsei 11 (1828) and is a silver nishu coin. During the reign of the 11th shogun, Tokugawa Ienari, this coin was created amid a relatively stable economic environment of the late Edo period. The Bunsei era (1818-1830) maintained economic stability, with Bunsei Nishugin playing an important role in complementing the shogunate's silver coin system.

The nishu unit equals one-eighth of a ryō, larger than an ichibu but smaller than an ippun, serving as an intermediate denomination. There was a high demand for transactions in the nishu denomination in daily trade, and Bunsei Nishugin was used to meet this need. It played the role of a silver coin in conjunction with the contemporary gold coin, the Bunsei Koban.

The basic specifications of Bunsei Nishugin include a rectangular shape of about 33mm in height and 16mm in width, with a weight of approximately 3.42g. It features a notably high silver purity of about 98%. This high purity distinguishes it from later nishu coins with lower purity. The obverse is inscribed with "二朱銀" ("Nishu Silver"), and the reverse bears the mint mark (kokuin) of the silver mint. The kokuin is a proof of the coin's quality assurance, serving as a crucial factor in authenticity judgment.

Moreover, the high silver purity (98%) of Bunsei Nishugin is visually confirmed as a bright luster of pure silver. Properly preserved specimens retain a beautiful luster for several hundred years, while poor storage conditions may result in oxidation and discoloration (darkening) of the surface. This discoloration serves as an indicator of preservation status and a factor affecting market prices. For more detailed information on Bunsei Nishugin, please see Bunsei Nishugin.

Historical Background and Impact on Evaluation of Bunsei Nishugin

Bunsei Nishugin, first issued in 1828, is known as a coin symbolizing the stable political and economic environment of the late Edo period. At this time, the Edo shogunate was still financially sound and capable of issuing high-purity silver coins. Bunsei Nishugin, with its approximately 98% silver purity, played a complementary role in the silver and gold coin system alongside the Bunsei Koban. This high purity reflects the political stability of the Bunsei era.

However, as the end of the shogunate neared, its financial situation deteriorated, leading to a decline in coin quality. While the Tempō Nishugin (1832~) maintained high purity, the nishu coins of the later Ansei and Man'en periods saw a substantial drop in silver content. This shift vividly illustrates the financial difficulties faced by the shogunate from the late Edo period to the Bakumatsu.

The era of "high-purity nishu coins," to which Bunsei Nishugin belongs, symbolizes the last period during which the shogunate was able to issue coins of stable quality. Therefore, possessing Bunsei Nishugin means being a witness to the times when the Edo shogunate last issued stable quality coins. This has led to high historical value attribution for Bunsei Nishugin.

Such a historical background significantly influences the current evaluation of Bunsei Nishugin, playing an important role in understanding the currency system and Edo silver coin system of the Edo period. High-purity silver coins like Bunsei Nishugin allow one to learn about the evolution of the Edo shogunate's monetary policy, providing invaluable material for gaining historical insight.

Auction Standards and Market Trends of Edo Silver Coins

Regarding the overall market trends of Edo silver coins, we analyze recent transaction data. The median price in the last 90 day's auction transactions is ¥4,480, with 29 transactions recorded. In the 90 days prior to this period, the median auction price was ¥4,600, with 20 transactions conducted. This comparison indicates a 2.608695652173913% decrease in the overall auction prices of the Edo silver coin category. However, it should be noted that the reliability of this fluctuation rate is low and should only serve as a directional guide.

Specific auction examples include a "No price reductions! Old coin, Ansei Ichibugin Bc" sold for ¥3,600 on September 8, 2026, and an "Old coin Ichibugin, reference image, A-1123" sold for ¥1,560. On August 29, "Ansei Mameitasugin (double-faced Daikoku) and Ansei Ichibugin" were traded for ¥16,800, indicating a wide range in transaction prices. This price range is largely dependent on individual conditions and rarity.

Additionally, on August 10, "Ansei Ichibugin Extremely Fine" sold for ¥5,500, "Ichibugin Historical Item" for ¥7,000, and "Ichibugin Old Coin Japanese Currency Shōnai" for ¥5,000. The same day, "Ichibugin Immediate Dispatch" was traded for ¥2,800, confirming that there are various price ranges in the Edo silver coin market.

The market trends for Edo silver coins reflect the movements of collectors and investors, with these market records revealing the impact of timing, individual conditions, and rarity on transaction prices. For more detailed price fluctuations and market calculation methods, see Confirm the price fluctuations with a market chart or Market calculation methods and samples.

Factors Influencing the Value of Bunsei Nishugin

The main factors influencing the value of Bunsei Nishugin include condition, rarity, and authenticity risk. As a silver coin from the late Edo period, its market evaluation significantly changes based on its preservation state. This coin, made of high-purity silver, is valued more highly the better its preservation state is. In the collection market, its evaluation is in a similar price range to that of the South Ryō Nishugin, with clear price differences arising from preservation conditions. By comparing these two, one can actually observe the subtle differences in era and design.

Regarding authenticity risk, Bunsei Nishugin is classified in a relatively low category. Nonetheless, particular attention is needed as there are "Chinese-made imitation products from the Qing dynasty" made in the past. These can have purity and appearance close to the genuine article, posing a risk to collectors. Among the counterfeit items, some have weights and dimensions similar to the real ones, but often feature vague markings on the reverse and uneven stamping depth. These characteristics can be confirmed through detailed observation with a magnifying glass. For how to distinguish authenticity, see How to distinguish authenticity.

Additionally, Bunsei Nishugin's dimensions are about 33mm in height by 16mm in width, and its weight is approximately 3.42g. Items significantly deviating from this standard are considered suspicious. These standard values serve as a very important primary screening. Precise weighing on a scale and dimension measurement with calipers constitute basic confirmation work.

Bunsei Nishugin in the market is not overly rare and possesses moderate availability, making it a favored piece from beginner to intermediate stages of Edo silver coin collection completion. Consequently, there is stable demand that is evaluated as being less susceptible to economic fluctuations. As for individual prices, only those based on verified records are listed in the market record.

Overall, to maximize the value of Bunsei Nishugin, it is important first to evaluate authenticity and check preservation conditions. Enlisting accurate information and collecting based on reliable sources lead to maintaining long-term value. For further details on Bunsei Nishugin, refer to Standards and interpretations of old coin grading.

Confirmation Points When Collecting Bunsei Nishugin

When obtaining Bunsei Nishugin, it's crucial to understand its positioning as part of a systematic collection. Bunsei Nishugin is a representative of the "high-purity Edo silver coin group of the late Edo period" and epitomizes the "quality stability period of Edo currency." A collection including this coin can trace the transition of Edo-period nishu coins along with Kyōhō and Meiwa period South Ryō Nishugin and post-Tempō nishu coins through actual items. This allows for a three-dimensional understanding of the Edo financial history's flow.

To pursue the popular collection theme of the "evolution of nishu coins," it is necessary to accurately understand the characteristics of each period and select appropriate specimens. Check the era and classification that Bunsei Nishugin belongs to, using Varieties and classification system of old coins as a reference.

Additionally, by collecting it in conjunction with the Bunsei-era gold coin Bunsei Koban, it's possible to recreate the monetary world of the time. By assembling a same-era gold and silver set, the charm of the collection can be enhanced.

When holding a collection including Bunsei Nishugin long-term, proper storage is important. Since silver coins are prone to oxidation and environmental impact, it's recommended to preserve them according to the guidelines in Correct storage methods for old coins. This way, the quality of the collection is maintained, securing its long-term value.

When advancing the collection of Bunsei Nishugin, it is essential to thoroughly check the state, classification, and storage method of individual pieces and strive to maximize the value as a piece enriching the financial history of the Edo period.

Positioning of Bunsei Nishugin and the View of ITTENDO

Bunsei Nishugin is known as a high-purity silver coin issued in Bunsei 11 (1828). It is part of the fiscal policies closely related to and issued alongside the Bunsei Koban of the same era, forming part of the shogunate's currency system introduced to stabilize the economy. Bunsei Nishugin is noted for its extremely stable silver purity, holding an important position among the nishu series.

According to ITTENDO's view, Bunsei Nishugin is particularly noteworthy among the silver coins of the Edo period. Its stable silver purity is an attractive factor for collectors, and it is considered a standard entry into Edo silver coins. The broad recommendation can be attributed to the historical background and stability that this coin possesses. Bunsei Nishugin will serve as an excellent learning material as a clue to understanding the Edo-period currency system.

Also, Bunsei Nishugin's market value enjoys the support of numerous collectors and history enthusiasts due to its historical background and high purity. Market records confirm many transactions, maintaining stable popularity. Based on such background, ITTENDO positions Bunsei Nishugin as a silver coin worthy of note.

Those interested can also monitor prices of coins of interest in the Vault. By utilizing such a function, you can gain a more detailed understanding of Bunsei Nishugin's market trends and broaden your collection.