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Bunkyū Eihō

文久永宝（bunkyū eihō）

Series
Edo-period 4-mon coinage
Denomination
4 mon
Period
1863 (Bunkyū 3)

Updated: 2026-09-02

Specifications (as confirmed)

ItemValueTypeSources
Issue (catalog)1863年・銅・4文Catalog value[1]

FACTA copper 4-mon coin issued in 1863 (catalog), amid post-opening demand for small money and a shortage of copper coin.[1]

FACTA surviving "branch" casting of the Bunkyū Eihō (19th c.) is illustrated in the catalog, documenting the casting and finishing process.[2]

Historical Context

Visual Identification

FACTA copper 4-mon coin (1863).[1]

Varieties & Attribution

INTERPRETATIONCalligraphic classes (Bunkyū, shinbun, sōbun, etc.) are recognized by collectors; sources are not yet in hand.

Manufacturing

FACTA surviving Bunkyū Eihō "branch" casting (19th c.) shows the coins still joined by the sprues, documenting the cutting and finishing steps.[2]

Authentication Cautions

INTERPRETATIONNo single feature proves authenticity; script and wave-pattern attribution rests on comparison with actual pieces.

Terminology (JA/EN)

FACTThe 4-mon denomination began with the brass issue of 1768; the Bunkyū Eihō is its Bakumatsu continuation.[1]

Open Items

INTERPRETATIONSpecifications not stated here (weight, fineness, mintage, etc.) are not yet confirmed in the sources consulted. They will be added as they are confirmed.

Auction Records

No auction records confirmed for this exact type yet. Prices for the broader category are not shown as this type's prices. Confirmed records will be listed here.

References

  1. [1]「貨幣博物館 常設展示図録（全国各地にあった銭座）」（日本銀行金融研究所 貨幣博物館） — https://www.imes.boj.or.jp/cm/collection/tenjizuroku/mod/book/pageindices/index52.html（accessed: 2026-09-02）
  2. [2]「貨幣博物館 常設展示図録（銭貨のつくりかた）」（日本銀行金融研究所 貨幣博物館） — https://www.imes.boj.or.jp/cm/collection/tenjizuroku/mod/book/pageindices/index53.html（accessed: 2026-09-02）