Basic Information about Hōei Yotsuhō Chōgin

| Item | Content | |---|---| | Minting Year | Shōtoku 1 (1711) | | Silver Purity | 20% | | Mark | Called Yotsuhō because the kanji 「宝」 is engraved four times | | Shape | Namako-shaped weighed silver coin | It has the lowest silver purity among the coins of the Hōei period, reduced to one-quarter of the Keichō Chōgin (80%). Source for silver purity: Bank of Japan Money Museum Permanent Exhibition Catalogue https://www.imes.boj.or.jp/cm/collection/tenjizuroku/mod/book/pageindices/index49.html

Position within the Four Types of Hōei Period Chōgin

During the Hōei period, four types of Chōgin were issued in just five years from Hōei 3 (1706) to Shōtoku 1 (1711), with their silver purity gradually decreased. | Name | Minting Year | Silver Purity | |---|---|---| | Hōei Futatsuhō Chōgin | Hōei 3 (1706) | 50% | | Hōei Eiji Chōgin | Hōei 7 (1710) | 40% | | Hōei Mitsuhō Chōgin | Hōei 7 (1710) | 32% | | Hōei Yotsuhō Chōgin | Shōtoku 1 (1711) | 20% | The Hōei Yotsuhō Chōgin discussed on this page has a silver purity of 20%. Others include the Hōei Futatsuhō Chōgin (50%), Hōei Eiji Chōgin (40%), and Hōei Mitsuhō Chōgin (32%). Grouping them all as “Hōei Chōgin” can lead to confusion regarding their purity levels. For a comprehensive overview, please refer to Hōei Chōgin (General Discussion).

Identification and Points of Caution

Called Yotsuhō because the kanji 「宝」 is engraved four times. All Hōei period Chōgin have a similar namako shape, making it impossible to determine the type without confirming the mark. As the silver purity decreases, the ratio of copper increases, resulting in a darker surface tone, and over time, it tends to tarnish or develop verdigris. However, the storage conditions greatly affect this change, so the type cannot be determined based solely on color tone. Weighed silver coins lack standardized specifications and acknowledge individual differences, making weight-based identification challenging. For initial verification of authenticity, please refer to How to Identify Counterfeits.

About the Market Price

In the data of auction results collected by our site from flea markets and online auctions, no transactions can be specifically identified as Hōei Yotsuhō Chōgin. Therefore, there is currently no basis for indicating a specific price range. The criteria for data aggregation and conditions for exclusions are disclosed in Methodology of Market Data Calculation. For market realities, please consult a specialist coin dealer.