Meiji Tsūhō is a government note issued in 1872 (Meiji 5). This article organizes the issuance history, design, succeeding banknotes, and how to view their condition based on materials available from the Bank of Japan's Currency Museum and the National Printing Bureau.

Issuance and Positioning of Meiji Tsūhō (Within Confirmable Range)

Meiji Tsūhō is a banknote issued by the Meiji government, listed in the permanent exhibit catalog of the Numismatic Museum as the new banknote "Meiji Tsūhō Satsu" with a one-yen note (1872). The catalog explains it as an inconvertible note issued for currency unification, initially printed in Germany, and later supplemented with "Meiji Tsūhō" characters, hence also referred to as German banknotes.

The museum's "History of Japanese Currency" states the Meiji government issued the "Ministry of Finance Convertible Certificates" and the subsequent "Meiji Tsūhō Satsu". According to the catalog, the Ministry of Finance Convertible Certificates (1871) were Japan's first yen-denominated notes, issued under the name of Mitsui-gumi of the Exchange Bureau, following the style of vertical han-satsu.

Han-satsu and prefectural notes were exchanged with the new banknotes and small currency at exchange rates based on gold and silver reserves, completed by 1879, as noted in the catalog. Dajōkan Satsu lead to new banknotes, followed by National Bank Notes and modified banknotes, with Meiji Tsūhō positioned within this flow. The overall progression of the notes is summarized in Introduction to Old Notes (Banknotes).

Manufacturing in Germany and the Name "German Banknotes"

The National Printing Bureau's "History of Banknotes (Meiji)" notes in the 1870 (Meiji 3) section that the manufacture of 'new banknotes' (German banknotes) was requested from Germany to replace the Dajōkan Satsu, which saw frequent counterfeiting due to their simple production (issued in 1872). According to the National Printing Bureau, since Japan lacked modern anti-counterfeiting printing technology at the time, the manufacturing was commissioned to a German printing company, which is why they are called German banknotes, Japan's first modern printed banknotes. The name of the printing company is not mentioned in the museum and National Printing Bureau's materials, so it is not included in this article.

A distribution table from the Currency Museum titled "Banknotes since Meiji" lists new banknotes in nine denominations: 100 yen, 50 yen, 10 yen, 5 yen, 2 yen, 1 yen, 50 sen, 20 sen, 10 sen, with issuance beginning in 1872 (Meiji 5). The front designs feature phoenixes, dragons, chrysanthemums, paulownias, and cherries, while the back includes peacocks, plovers, dragonflies, scallops, and chrysanthemums. The dimensions of the ten-yen note are 137×89mm (same source).

Design and Printing Features (National Printing Bureau's Explanation)

According to the National Printing Bureau, the new banknotes (German banknotes) combine black intaglio printing for the main patterns with blue letterpress printing for the background, depicting phoenixes, dragons, and chrysanthemum crests. The style is vertically long with a mix of Japanese and Western aesthetics.

When distinguishing banknotes, verify the denomination inscription, design (phoenixes, dragons, chrysanthemums, paulownias, cherries), and dimensions against the listed materials. Fine details of print and paper condition follow the steps in How to Spot Counterfeits. Since there is no description in the Numismatic Museum or National Printing Bureau materials about the effectiveness of counterfeit prevention or the change in forgery cases, this article does not evaluate it.

Transition to Modified Banknotes (1881)

The Numismatic Museum catalog mentions that the modified banknote "Jingū Kōgō Satsu" (one-yen banknote, 1881) was issued due to frequent alteration from low to high denominations of the new banknote "Meiji Tsūhō Satsu". Modified banknotes incorporated the format of Western notes with horizontal orientation and portraits, produced domestically in Japan, with portraits carved by Italian sculptor Edoardo Chiossone based on Japanese models from the printing bureau (catalog).

The National Printing Bureau's explanation notes that while the printing was intricate, the paper used for new banknotes ordered from German printing companies was fragile, leading to the printing bureau's development of new banknotes, thus explaining that "modified banknotes" refers to those issued in place of new banknotes.

According to the National Printing Bureau's timeline, in July 1871 (Meiji 4), the Currency Office was formed as a division of the Ministry of Finance, renamed the Bureau of Paper Money shortly after, and in 1877 (Meiji 10), the first domestically produced Western-style banknote, "National Bank Note (New Bill)" was issued. In 1878 (Meiji 11), the Ministry of Finance's Office of Paper Money was renamed the Printing Bureau, and in 1881 (Meiji 14), the modified one-yen banknote was issued. In 1885 (Meiji 18), the first Bank of Japan Convertible Silver Certificate was issued (National Printing Bureau).

Confirmation Points When Evaluating the Value of Meiji Tsūhō

The value of Meiji Tsūhō can vary based on denomination and preservation state. However, ITTENDO's market records do not yet have auction records that correlate directly with Meiji Tsūhō. Individual prices and auction examples will only be listed if they can be correlated with details of the auction house, event, date, lot, source URL, and verification date, and uncorrelated prices are not included in this article.

When assessing conditions, consider the presence of folds, clarity of print, discoloration or stains, and edge conditions. Record these according to the Standards for Coin Grading.

For preservation, store the banknotes in neutral paper sleeves or Mylar (polyester) film, lay them flat, and avoid direct sunlight and humidity. When stacking, place neutral paper in between. These are summarized in Correct Methods of Storing Coins.

Summary: Key Points Verifiable by Record

  • Issuance: 1872 (Meiji 5). Issued as inconvertible banknotes for currency unification (Numismatic Museum Catalog)
  • Origin of Name: Initially printed in Germany, supplemented with "Meiji Tsūhō" characters in Japan, also known as German banknotes (Catalog/National Printing Bureau)
  • Denominations: Nine types from 100 yen to 10 sen (Numismatic Museum distribution materials "Banknotes since Meiji")
  • Successor: Issued modified banknotes "Jingū Kōgō Satsu" in 1881 due to frequent alteration from low to high denominations (Catalog)

The market evaluations and popularity will not be written due to the lack of correlated records.