--- title: "Detailed Kanei Tsuho Variants" url: "https://ittendo.com/en/coinpedia/ana-sen-006-kanei-variants" site: "ITTENDO" type: "coinpedia" category: "ana-sen" series: "Holed Coins" lang: "en" --- # Detailed Kanei Tsuho Variants > Conclusion: Collecting Kanei Tsuho variants is a profound field where understanding historical context and honing appraisal skills can lead to the discovery of highly valuable rare coins. - 時代: 江戸 - 素材: 銅 - 額面: 文 - 発行量: 希少 - 価格帯: 中堅 ## Background to the Emergence of Varieties Kan'ei Tsūhō (寛永通宝) was the cornerstone currency supporting the Japanese economy for approximately 230 years, from Kan'ei 13 (1636) in the early Edo period through to the end of the shogunate era. The great length of this minting period, combined with the existence of mint offices (zenigoza) established throughout the country, gave rise to a vast number of varieties. Differences in casting techniques, master coins (bosen), copper alloy compositions, and even individual craftsmen's habits from mint to mint introduced subtle variations in calligraphic style, size, and copper quality. During the Ko-Kan'ei period (approximately 1636–1659) in particular, private mint offices proliferated, and this diversity was especially pronounced. With the onset of the Shin-Kan'ei period (from 1668 onward), the number of shogunate-directly-controlled mint offices increased and efforts were made to standardize quality. Nevertheless, coins with distinctive calligraphic styles and characteristics continued to be cast at each of the major mints, including Kameido, Fukagawa, Sado, Sendai, and Akita. These varieties are said to number in the hundreds, and their complete classification remains an ongoing endeavor among numismatic researchers to this day. For the fundamentals of Kan'ei Tsūhō, please refer to [Types and Market Prices of Kan'ei Tsūhō](/coinpedia/ana-sen-002-kanei-tsuho) for a detailed explanation. ## Representative Varieties and Their Characteristics Kan'ei Tsūhō varieties are wide-ranging, but below we introduce some of the most popular among collectors. The "Nisuiei (二水永)," a representative Ko-Kan'ei piece, features an early calligraphic style in which the character「永」appears as though formed by two water droplets, and its rarity commands high prices. The "Shimayabun (島屋文)" is characterized by a bold, powerful, and distinctive calligraphic style, and is likewise an iconic Ko-Kan'ei variety. In the Shin-Kan'ei period, coins bearing characters on the reverse indicating the place of minting—known as "hai-moji-sen (背文字銭)"—are frequently encountered. The "Seiji-haibun (正字背文)" bears the character「文」on the reverse, indicating it is an Edo Kameido coin (catalog note: reverse「文」= Edo Kameido). The "Haisa (背佐)" indicates production at the Sado mint, and the "Haisen (背千)" indicates production at the Sendai Ishinomaki mint; these coins were closely tied to specific regional economies. The "Matsumoto-sen (松本銭)," cast in Matsumoto in Shinano Province, is characterized by a neat and well-ordered calligraphic style. The "Mito-sen (水戸銭)," cast in the Mito domain, features a bold and distinctive style, vividly reflecting the characteristics of each region. An overview of these diverse coins can be found at [Introduction to Ana-sen (Kan'ei Tsūhō and Tenpō Tsūhō)](/coinpedia/ana-sen-001-overview). ## Price Range Guide for Varieties Prices for Kan'ei Tsūhō vary greatly depending on the variety, condition, and rarity. Common Shin-Kan'ei Tsūhō (circulating coins) are frequently traded in the market at around 10 to 50 yen per piece. On the other hand, circulating Ko-Kan'ei coins bearing rare calligraphic styles may carry a value of approximately 500 to 5,000 yen. It is not uncommon for rare Shin-Kan'ei coins with hai-moji (reverse characters) or specific calligraphic styles to trade in the range of 5,000 to 30,000 yen. The mother coins (bosen) discussed later may be appraised at 30,000 to 300,000 yen regardless of calligraphic style. For trial strike coins (shichūsen) and extremely rare early pieces, prices of 300,000 to over 1,000,000 yen have been confirmed, and in the case of the rarest pieces such as the Nisuiei, prices reaching several million yen depending on condition have also been recorded. These price ranges also fluctuate according to market supply and demand and whether professional grading has been obtained. To learn about the factors that determine the value of your own collection, please refer to [Factors That Determine the Value of Old Coins](/coinpedia/basics-001-value-drivers) and [Check Price Trends on the Market Chart](/market/index). ## The Importance of Mother Coins (Bosen) In the collection of Kan'ei Tsūhō varieties, the "bosen (母銭)"—or mother coin—holds the highest value and historical significance. Mother coins were used as the originals from which the molds for casting actual circulating coins were made. As a result, they are characterized by a diameter approximately 1 to 2 mm larger than that of circulating coins, and by deeper, more sharply defined character engraving. The finishing of the rim (rinkaku) is extremely precise, and the cast surface is often smooth. These characteristics are testament to the meticulous care with which craftsmen at the mint offices produced them. Even for a calligraphic style whose circulating coins might be worth around 10 yen per piece, if a corresponding mother coin is identified, it may receive a high appraisal of tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of yen. Appraising mother coins requires a high level of experience and specialized knowledge. It is necessary to make a comprehensive judgment based not merely on size measurement, but also on weight comparison, sharpness of the characters, texture of the cast surface, and patterns of wear from aging over time. An understanding of [Standards for Old Coin Grading](/coinpedia/basics-003-grading) is also useful for accurate value assessment. ## What Are Trial Strike Coins (Shichūsen)? Shichūsen (試鋳銭)—trial strike coins—are experimental coins produced prior to the commencement of mass production in order to verify the quality of casting, the calligraphic style, and the materials. They served a role analogous to that of a prototype in modern product development. Trial strike coins of Kan'ei Tsūhō are characterized by even more precise character engraving than circulating coins, with particularly outstanding rendering of fine details. The materials and weight may differ from those of the coins ultimately produced in full casting, and these differences serve as subjects of academic research. Trial strike coins were produced in only very limited numbers, and because surviving examples are extremely scarce, it is rare for ordinary collectors to encounter them in the market. Nevertheless, their existence provides extremely important clues for elucidating the casting techniques and monetary policies of the era. They are frequently housed in museums and research institutions, and their discovery constitutes major news in the world of numismatics. ## Step-by-Step Procedure for Calligraphic Style Identification Identifying the calligraphic style of Kan'ei Tsūhō is a specialized task involving the composite analysis of multiple elements. The process begins with a detailed observation of the four characters「寛永通宝」engraved on the obverse of the coin. Specifically, the following are examined in order: ① whether the hōgai (宝蓋, the canopy-shaped upper portion) of the character「寛」is wide or narrow; ② the angle and length of the nisuibu (二水部, the two-stroke water radical) of the character「永」and the position of its dots; ③ the manner in which the「マ」portion of the character「通」is written and the position of the dot in the shinnyō; and ④ the number of horizontal strokes in the「貝」portion of the character「宝」(whether 3 or 4 strokes). By analyzing these combinations, it is possible to narrow down the lineage of the calligraphic style. The next step is to check for the presence and type of hai-moji (reverse characters) engraved on the reverse of the coin, followed by precise measurement of the diameter, thickness, and weight. Finally, the standard approach involves identifying the mint office through a comprehensive assessment of characteristics including the copper quality, texture of the cast surface, and the finishing of the coin's edge (rim). For a deeper understanding, it is effective to study the overall picture at [Types and Classification Systems of Old Coins](/guide/varieties). ## Practicing Selective Collecting In collecting Kan'ei Tsūhō varieties, "senbetsu (選別)"—selective sorting—is a very common method practiced by many collectors. This involves purchasing large quantities of Kan'ei Tsūhō sold in bulk lots from coin dealers or at auction, then manually searching through them for rare varieties. Since common pieces can be acquired for around 10 to 50 yen each, it is easy to begin with a bulk purchase of around 100 coins for approximately 1,000 yen. If a variety worth several thousand yen—or even tens of thousands of yen or more—is discovered within such a lot, the collector gains both the great joy of collecting and an economic benefit. The key to success in selective collecting lies in cultivating the discerning eye to distinguish subtle differences in calligraphic styles. In addition to systematic study from specialized reference books, hands-on experience handling and comparing large quantities of coins is indispensable. When sorting, having a bright light source, a high-magnification loupe, and a classification chart at hand makes the process more efficient. For information on where to acquire old coins, please see [Guide to Acquiring and Purchasing Old Coins](/coinpedia/basics-008-shotai). ## Classification References and Learning Tools To deepen one's research and collecting of Kan'ei Tsūhō varieties, the use of reliable reference books and learning tools is indispensable. Zuroku Nihon no Kahei (『図録 日本の貨幣』, Pictorial Records of Japanese Currency), compiled by the Research Department of the Bank of Japan and published by Tōyō Keizai Shinpōsha, is an ideal general historical reference for understanding the overall currency of the Edo period, including Kan'ei Tsūhō, in its historical context. In recent years, online databases and old coin research forums have also become more comprehensive, making it possible from home to compare coins against photographs of actual specimens and exchange information with other collectors. By making full use of these tools, one can explore the world of Kan'ei Tsūhō more efficiently and in greater depth. Before beginning a collection, it is also important to understand [The Difference Between Investing and Collecting: Ways of Thinking](/coinpedia/basics-002-invest-vs-collect). ## Precautions Against Counterfeits and Countermeasures Rare varieties of Kan'ei Tsūhō have long been targets for counterfeiting, owing to their high value. In the modern era, sophisticated counterfeits produced using advanced techniques such as electroforming (electroplating casting) also exist, and there are cases in which they can be difficult to distinguish from genuine pieces. Several key points are noted as countermeasures for identifying counterfeits. First, ① weight measurement: counterfeits often use different metals such as lead or zinc, and their weight may differ from that of genuine coins. Second, ② the feel of the cast surface: electroformed pieces tend to have an unnaturally uniform surface. ③ Examination under an ultraviolet lamp is also effective: artificially applied patina may fluoresce under ultraviolet light. When considering the purchase of a high-value rare piece, it is strongly recommended to always obtain an appraisal from a trusted specialist. When making a purchase, be sure to confirm whether a guarantee is provided and exercise careful judgment. For more detailed information on counterfeits, please refer to [Complete Guide to Identifying Fakes and Altered Coins](/coinpedia/basics-004-fakes).