Iron Coins (Tessen)
鉄銭（tessen） ・ aka: びた銭、なべ銭
- Series
- Edo-period coinage (material class)
- Denomination
- 1 and 4 mon
- Period
- From 1739
Updated: 2026-09-02
Specifications (as confirmed)
| Item | Value | Type | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction (catalog) | 1739年〜 | Catalog value | [1] |
FACTCopper shortage led the shogunate to cast iron coins (iron 1-mon 1739, iron 4-mon 1860). Iron coins rusted easily and were called bita-sen or nabe-sen; from this period the 1-mon coinage became iron (catalog).[1]
Historical Context
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]「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）