--- title: "Eiraku Tsuho" url: "https://ittendo.com/en/coinpedia/ana-sen-005-eiraku-tsuho" site: "ITTENDO" type: "coinpedia" category: "ana-sen" series: "Holed Coins" lang: "en" --- # Eiraku Tsuho > Conclusion: Eiraku Tsuho is a historically significant foreign coin favored by Nobunaga, and it's an ideal entry point for coin collecting due to its affordable price. - 時代: 中世 - 素材: 銅 - 額面: 文 - 発行量: 大量 - 価格帯: 普及 ## Overview and Historical Background of Eiraku Tsūhō The Eiraku Tsūhō (永楽通宝) is a copper coin that began minting during the reign of the third emperor of the Ming dynasty, Emperor Yongle, in the Yongle era (1403-1424). This currency was not only significant within China but also became an important circulation currency in the East Asian economic sphere of the time. It was imported into Japan in large quantities from the mid-Muromachi period and widely circulated as a key domestic currency throughout the Sengoku period. The coin is a round coin with a square hole, about 25mm in diameter and weighing approximately 3.5g. The obverse is inscribed with the four characters "永樂通寳" in strong regular script. As one of the main imports through the Sino-Japanese trade (Kango trade), it significantly contributed to the development of Japan's monetary economy and is considered a quintessential imported coin. It is an essential part of the prehistory that shaped Japan's 」(link) discusses the history of coinage including Kan'ei Tsūhō (寛永通宝) and Tenpō Tsūhō (天保通宝). ## The Era of Emperor Yongle and the Background of Minting The year 1403, when Emperor Yongle ascended to the throne, was a time when the Ming dynasty aggressively promoted foreign policy. As exemplified by Zheng He's expeditions to the South Seas, the Ming dynasty actively engaged in trade with various parts of Asia, expanding its economic and political influence. The Eiraku Tsūhō was minted in large quantities to respond to the heightened international trade and to demonstrate the Ming dynasty's economic prestige. Its high quality and stable supply had a significant influence on the currency economies of surrounding countries and established its position as an international settlement tool. Particularly in Japan, where domestically minted coins were few at the time, the Eiraku Tsūhō became indispensable. Understanding this background reveals value beyond that of mere ancient coins. ## Influx into Japan and the Transformation of the Medieval Economy The Eiraku Tsūhō began to enter Japan in earnest through the Sino-Japanese trade after the mid-Muromachi period. In addition to government-level trade known as Kango trade, substantial amounts of coins were brought in through illicit private trade, significantly transforming Japan's domestic currency economy. Until then, barter with commodities like rice or cloth was mainstream in Japan, but the influx of imported coins triggered rapid development in the monetary economy. Especially during the Sengoku period, the Eiraku Tsūhō became an indispensable currency, being A highly reliable for commercial transactions and the monetization of land tax payments. The penetration of the monetary economy promoted the development of commercial cities and the emergence of new industries, profoundly impacting the very structure of Japanese society. The role played by the Eiraku Tsūhō in establishing the foundation of the modern economy is immeasurable. ## Oda Nobunaga and Eiraku Tsūhō: The Symbol of Unification The Eiraku Tsūhō is particularly famous in Japanese history for being used by Oda Nobunaga as the emblem "Eiraku Sen Flag" for his army. Nobunaga believed that not only military force but also economic power was crucial for the unification of the realm. By raising the Eiraku Tsūhō, known for its high quality and reliability, as his emblem, he demonstrated his economic authority and ambition for the realm. In the area around Kyoto at the time, one Eiraku coin was considered equivalent to four "Bita Sen" coins, known as "Seisen", and its credibility was immense. Nobunaga's choice of this symbolic currency reflects his advanced economic ideas. This historical episode has made the Eiraku Tsūhō known not only to coin collectors but also to the general public. ## The Sengoku Period Economy and the Coin Selection Decree From the Muromachi period to the Sengoku period, while large quantities of imported coins from China flowed into Japan, domestically, low-quality private minted coins and worn coins circulated, leading to the spread of inferior coins, known as "Bita Sen." This resulted in trading confusion and serious destabilization of prices. To resolve this situation, the shogunate and various regional warlords issued the "Eri Zeni Rei," which strictly defined which coins could be used. The Eiraku Tsūhō, with its high quality and stable credibility, was consistently listed as the foremost "Seisen" and solidified its position through the coin selection decree. Nobunaga's use of it as a military flag also shows that the Eiraku Tsūhō functioned as a symbol of economic authority and not just as currency. Factors determining the value of old coins change with times, majorly influenced by fluctuating credibility. ## Major Variants and Private Minted Coins of Eiraku Tsūhō The Eiraku Tsūhō includes many "Ming coins" minted in mainland China and numerous "Private Minted Coins" produced privately within Japan. Private minting was done to meet the high demand and catch up with the shortage of supplies from China. These coins are generally discernible due to their rougher script or inferior copper quality compared to Ming coins. Even among official Ming coins, minor differences in script appear due to the minting site or period. Terms like "Naga Nizui" for the long strokes in the character "永" or the distinctive shapes of the "Shinnnyou" in "通" exemplify the many script variations that exist. Research into these script variants is a great pleasure in collecting Eiraku Tsūhō, and several specialized books on the topic have been published. To distinguish these differences, reference guides like a guide to spotting fakes and alterations are recommended. ## Specific Appraisal Points for Authentic and Private Minted Coins When appraising the authenticity and types of Eiraku Tsūhō, several important points should be considered. Authentic Ming coins often have slender and neatly executed strokes in the left brush of "永" (Nizui) and appropriately spaced dots in the "Shinnnyou" of "通". They are made with copper possessing a reddish, high-quality hue, exuding a sense of heaviness when held. The coin rim and coin borders are also relatively orderly. On the other hand, private minted coins show tendencies such as omitting the wood radical in "楽" or having characters that are stocky with vague outlines. The copper composition may appear yellowish as if mixed with brass or contain more lead. Also, private minted coins often have a smaller diameter or a thinner body. Observing details with a magnifying glass and gaining experience will enhance appraisal accuracy. Referring to grading standards for old coins can help assess quality. ## The Japanese Currency Economy Built by Imported Coins From the late Heian period to the Muromachi period, Japan halted its own currency production. Filling this void and supporting the Japanese economy were imported coins from China, such as Song coins, Yuan coins, and Ming coins. Of these, the Eiraku Tsūhō was the most distributed, standing at the pinnacle of the medieval Japanese currency economy. The influx of a large amount of imported coins powerfully promoted the development of a commodity economy, making it possible to pay land taxes in currency rather than rice, leading to significant reforms in the social structure of the time. The economy dependent on imported coins continued until the Edo period, when the domestically produced coins, like Kan'ei Tsūhō, spread nationwide. The Eiraku Tsūhō played a crucial bridging role that cannot be omitted when discussing the subsequent history of Japanese currency. ## Rare Script Variants and High-Value Transaction Cases In collecting Eiraku Tsūhō, particularly deep is the study of script variants. For example, "Naga Nizui" with long strokes in the character "永" or distinctive shapes in "Shinnnyou" of "通" create rarity due to these subtle differences. These are thought to arise from accidental factors during minting or differences between minting sites. On the market, these rare variants attract attention and can fetch prices multiple times higher than usual items. Past examples reveal that specific well-preserved script variants have been auctioned for tens of thousands of yen. These high-value transactions indicate the scarcity of the coins and the high demand among collectors. Discovering such variants provides an enjoyable treasure hunt-like thrill. ## The World of Collection Expanding from Eiraku Tsūhō Starting with Eiraku Tsūhō, expanding the collection to include other imported Ming coins is the real pleasure of imported coin collection. Hongwu Tongbao, Xuande Tongbao, Hongzhi Tongbao, and other Ming coins besides Eiraku Tsūhō have each had a deep involvement with Japanese history. By arranging these coin types chronologically or by type, it is possible to complete a grand collection that can overview the medieval Japanese currency history on a modest budget. Generally, all imported coins can be acquired inexpensively, allowing beginners to start easily. Additionally, understanding the flow leading to Japan's unique coinage explored in the introduction to Kan'ei Tsūhō and Tenpō Tsūhō provides deeper historical insights. The Eiraku Tsūhō is indeed the key that opens the door to Japan's currency history. ## Basic Guidelines for Proper Storage and Maintenance Since Eiraku Tsūhō is a copper coin, proper storage can preserve its condition for hundreds of years. The ideal storage environment is a stable place with humidity around 40-50% and temperature about 20℃. It is recommended to avoid direct sunlight and store in coin albums or sealed containers, or special coin capsules. Patina (verdigris) occurring on copper coins should be left as it is if stable. Using abrasives to polish can remove the patina and greatly diminish its historical and market value. For cleaning or maintenance after purchase, consulting with an expert and taking appropriate measures is advisable. By adhering to the correct methods of storing old coins, a valuable collection can be passed on to future generations.