ITTENDO Story Series
Coin Stories — Histories Behind Each Coin
From the Keicho Koban of 1601 to Meiji-era gold pieces — long-form editorial features that uncover the people, the politics, and the economy behind each Japanese antique coin.
StoryNagano Olympic Commemorative 5000 Yen Silver Coin — The Brilliance of Winter Sports
A Special Commemorative Coin Engraving the Memory of the Nagano Olympics
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StorySendai Tsūhō — The Rise and Fall of a Domain's Exclusive Currency Born of Financial Crisis
The currency independently minted by the Sendai Domain without the shogunate's permission: its background and outcome
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StoryCounterfeiting and Crackdowns on the Eiraku Tsūhō (永楽通宝) — The Most Widely Circulated and Most Counterfeited Coin
A History of Counterfeiting and Regulation from the Kamakura Period through the Edo Period
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StoryGenbun Chōgin (元文丁銀) — The 'Secret Recoinage' That Rescued the Shogunate's Finances
In the First Year of Genbun, the Shogunate's Bold Strategy to Drastically Lower the Silver Purity
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StoryThe Age of Silk — The Story of the 'Currency' Trusted by Heian Aristocrats
The Monetary Affairs of the Heian Period, When Silk Was Valued More Than Coins
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StoryMeiji Shin-ka Jōrei — The Challenge of Retiring the Old Gold and Silver Coinage
The Currency Reform of Modern Japan Brought About by the New Currency Regulations
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StoryTōkaidō Shinkansen Opening Commemoration Medal — The Mystery of the Lost Coin
The History and Value of the Commemorative Medal Celebrating the Opening Just Before the Tokyo Olympics
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StoryKyōhō Koban — The High-Purity Gold Coin Born of Yoshimune's Reforms
The Elusive Koban That Shone During the Kyōhō Reform Era
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StoryMonetization of Shōen Estate Tribute — The Currency Revolution of Medieval Japan
The Era of Converting Rice into Coin: The Foundation of a Monetary Economy
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StoryBunsei Chōgin (文政丁銀) — The Economic Shadow Closing In on the End of Edo
How the Bunsei Chōgin, with Its Roughly 36% Silver Purity, Laid Bare the Shogunate's Fiscal Crisis
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StoryWadō Kaichin Silver Coin (和同開珎銀銭) — Japan's Oldest Currency: A Short-Lived Experiment
The Little-Known Silver History That Speaks to Monetary Policy of the Nara Period
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StoryMeiji Ryū 10 Sen Silver Coin (明治竜10銭銀貨) — A Currency Reflecting the Growth of Modern Japan
From the Dragon Design to the Phoenix Design: 35 Years of Monetary Transition
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StoryShōwa Emperor's 50th Reign Anniversary 100-Yen Cupronickel Coin — A Commemorative Coin Marking Japan's Turning Point
The Story of the 100-Yen Cupronickel Coin Issued as a Symbol of the Stagflation Era
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StoryBunsei Koban (文政小判) — A Debased Gold Coin Born in Edo's Age of Decadent Flourishing
The Reality of Quietly Advancing Debasement During the Flourishing Era of Bunka and Bunsei Culture
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StoryEiraku Tsūhō (永楽通宝) — The Journey of a Chinese Coin That Adorned the Muromachi Period
The Economic Revolution Promoted by the Ashikaga Shogunate and Its Impact
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StoryMexican Dollar Circulation in Late Edo Japan — The Opening of Ports and the Upheaval of the Monetary System
The Economic Turmoil and Reform Brought About by Mexican Silver Coins Flowing into Late Edo Japan
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StoryWartime Tin 5-Sen Coin — A Lightweight Coin Born of Late-War Privation
1944: The Realities of Wartime Inscribed on a 1-Gram Coin
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StoryJōwa Shōhō — The Auspicious Inscription that Shone in the Twilight of the Ritsuryō State
The Sixth Imperial Coin Born During the Decline of the Ritsuryō System
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StoryThe Proliferation of Private Minted Coins and the Shogunate's Crackdown — Shadows and Lights of the Edo Period
The Actuality of Private Minted Coins that Shook the Mid to Late Edo Period Economy and the Shogunate's Response
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StoryPost-Russo-Japanese War Subsidiary Coinage Reform — The 'Monetary Cleanup' That Supported the Meiji State
How the Weight of 1.7 Billion Yen in War Expenditures Transformed Japan's Monetary Order: The Unknown Story Behind the Scenes
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StoryYamashiro Bitasen — The 'Bad Money' of War-Torn Times and Economic Transformation
The turbulent economy indicated by Shoddy Coins that swept through Kyoto in the Muromachi and Sengoku periods
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StoryNanryō Nishugin — The Edo Innovation Brought by the Currency Revolution of Tanuma Okitsugu
The Advent of Fixed-Amount Silver Coin Pointing the Way to Modernization
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StoryCommemorative 500 Yen Cupronickel Coin for the Enthronement of the Heisei Emperor — A Bridge from Heisei to Reiwa
The Story of a Historic Commemorative Coin Celebrating the Enthronement of the Heisei Emperor
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StoryJōgan Eihō — The End of the Twelve Imperial Coins and Economic Transformation
Ancient coins issued in Jōgan 12 (870) marking a turning point in Japanese economic history
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StoryTensho Hishi Ōban — The Ambition of Toyotomi Hideyoshi Reflected in Gold
Another Golden Legend, Deciphering the Mystery of the Rhombus Pattern
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StoryTsuruga (Echizen) Kan'ei Tsūhō — The Story of Local Currency from Hokuriku
The Trajectory of Unofficial Currency That Supported the Local Economy in the Edo Period
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StoryNew 500 Yen Bi-Color Clad — World-Class Anti-Counterfeit Technology
The new 500 yen coin issued in 2021 is a marvel of anti-counterfeiting technology
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StoryAnsei Ichibu Gin — A Small Measure in Response to the Late Edo Period Crisis
The Silver Coin 'Ansei Ichibu Gin' Symbolizing the Late Edo Period Financial Crisis
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StoryWartime 1 Sen Aluminum Coin (Late Period) — Testimony from Times of War
The Trajectory and Significance of Coins Minted During 1941-1942 Wartime
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StoryAichi Expo Commemorative Silver Coin — Hope for the Future Carved with the Wisdom of Nature
The History and Value of the 1000-yen Silver Coin Commemorating the 2005 Aichi Expo
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StoryThe Monetization of Kamakura Estates — Innovations in the Medieval Currency Economy
The Transformation of the Japanese Economy Triggered by the Kamakura Shogunate and the Advancement of Monetized Tribute
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StoryKeichō Ōban — The Golden Symbol of the Edo Shogunate's Prestige
Not circulated, displayed, and gifted: The 'National Treasure-grade Gold Ingot'
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StoryMeiji Dragon 20 Sen Silver Coin — The Small Giant that Built the Foundation of Modern Japan
The Dragon 20 Sen that Circulated as the Main Player in Daily Transactions for Nearly 40 Years
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StoryKyoto-Minted Kan'ei Tsūhō — The Hidden Brilliance of the Capital Intertwined with the Court and Samurai
The historical thread woven by Kan'ei Tsūhō minted in Kyoto
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StorySpain's Pillar Dollar — Its Role as an International Currency in the Edo Period
History of Spanish Coins Influx with Nanban Trade into Japan
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StoryMeiji Centennial 100 Yen — Dawn of the Commemorative Coin Era
The First Cupronickel Commemorative Coin Representing Japan's Modern History
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StoryThe Transition of the Imperial Twelve Coins — From Wadō Kaichin to Kengen Taihō
A 250-Year Tale of Lost Quality and Trust
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StoryThe Import and Circulation of Ming Coins — Tracing the History of Medieval Currency
Beyond Yongle Tongbao, Ming coins such as Hongwu Tongbao and Xuande Tongbao were issued in dozens. Their quality and trust discrepancies caused chaos in the Japanese market.
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StoryShōtoku Koban — Edo Gold Coin History
The high-quality koban born from Arai Hakuseki's 'justice'. Although restoring the quality to the Keichō standard was ideal, it was retracted just two years after circulation.
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StoryPhoenix 100 Yen Silver Coin - The Final Edition Tells the Transition of the Showa Era
1964, The End of Silver Coins and the Dawn of a New Era
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StoryGun'yō tehyō — The Economic Strategy of Wartime and Its Impact
The Fate of Currency Issued for the Occupied Territories Entrusted with the Dream of the Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere
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StoryNanryō Isshugin (南鐐一朱銀) — The Era of Small Denomination Silver Coins
The Role of Isshugin in Supporting the Late Edo Period Economy
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StoryEiraku Tsuho — Tracing the History of Ancient Coins
The era when the Muromachi shogunate favored 'Chinese coins'. The coins of the Yongle Emperor of Ming dominated the Japanese economy for 150 years—and the reason why Nobunaga chose Eiraku Tsuho as his emblem.
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StoryBunkyū Eihō — Tracing the History of Ansen
The last Ansen of the late Edo period. The 4-mon coin minted in Bunkyū 3 began circulating just shy of two years before the Meiji Restoration.
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StoryShōtoku Koban (正徳小判) — The Clash Between Arai Hakuseki's Ideals and Reality
Does Good Money Drive Out Bad? A Gold Coin Reform That Shook the Economy
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StoryMeiji 20 Yen Gold Coin (New) — Tracing the History of Modern Currency
The 20 yen gold coin minted as the highest value coin after the currency law revision of Meiji 30. The birth and end of the 'symbolic coin' of the gold standard
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StoryOkinawa Ocean Expo Commemorative 100 Yen — Tracing the History of Commemorative Coins
A 100 yen cupronickel coin commemorating the 1975 Okinawa International Ocean Exposition. A commemorative coin born from the international event three years after Okinawa's reversion
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StoryAnsei Nibus Gin — A Silver Coin Born Amidst Port Opening and Fiscal Crisis
The Role of Subsidiary Silver Coins Issued in the Turbulent Closing Years of the Edo Period
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StoryChikusen Jowi no Rei — An Ancient Japanese Attempt to Spread Currency
Wadō 4 (711): An Unprecedented System to Promote Currency Use
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StoryWartime 50 Sen Brass Coin — Tracing the History of Wartime Currency
The 50 sen brass coin issued from Shōwa 13 (1938). A sign of changing coin materials driven by military expansion following the opening of the Second Sino-Japanese War
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StoryTenshō Tsūhō — Exploring the History of Hole Coins
The hole coin attempted to be minted by Toyotomi Hideyoshi during his unification of Japan. Did the Tenshō Tsūhō actually exist? The mystery of monetary policy in the Sengoku period.
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StoryMeiji Dragon 2 Sen Copper Coin — Tracing the History of Modern Currency
The large copper coin of Meiji. A tale of a short-lived large copper coin abolished in just over a decade — reflecting the 'value perception of copper' in the early modern era, weighing over 14g.
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StoryBunkyū Eiho and the End of the Gold Coin System — Tracing the History of Edo Gold Coins
Bunkyū 2 (1862) marks the final currency reform of the shogunate, with a gold coin series issued alongside the Bunkyū Eiho (copper coins) as a symbol of late shogunate monetary chaos
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Story60th Anniversary of the Emperor's Accession 500 Yen — Tracing the History of Commemorative Coins
In 1986, a 500 yen cupronickel coin was issued to celebrate the 60th year of Emperor Shōwa's reign. It boasts the largest lot for a commemorative circulation coin, with 100 million pieces.
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StoryRyūhei Eihō — Tracing the History of Ancient Coins
Shortly after Emperor Kanmu moved the capital to Heian-kyō, the fourth imperial coinage was minted. 'Ryūhei' — A bridge from Nara to Heian inscribed with a wish for national prosperity
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StoryAnsei Chōgin — The Final Edo Era Silver Bullion Coin amidst the Turbulence of the Bakumatsu
A Short-lived yet Historical Silver Bullion Created Amidst the Turmoil of Opening Japan
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StoryPrivate Minting Coin Problem — The Dark Side of 'Bita-sen' Shaking Medieval Japan's Economy
Counterfeit coins resembling the real thing abounded, highlighting the chaotic truth of a monetary economy
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StoryWartime 10-sen Aluminum Coin — A Witness in Metal Reflecting Tumultuous Times
From 1940 to 1943, metal went to the battlefield. Aluminum 10 sen in the hands of the public
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StoryHōō 100-Yen Silver Coin — Wings of Recovery, and the End of the Silver Coin Era
The Brilliance of the High-Growth Period and the Short Life of a Silver 100-Yen Coin Buffeted by Soaring Silver Prices
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StoryHōei Koban (宝永小判) — The 'Compromise Koban' Born in an Age of Confusion
A coin that slipped through the cracks of history, vanishing in just four years between the Genroku and Shōtoku eras
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StoryYuan Dynasty Coins and Japan — The Economic History of Medieval Japan Woven by Foreign Copper Coins
The Breath of the Mongol Empire That Crossed the Storms of the Mongol Invasions
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StoryThe Window of the Closed Country, Ripples of Silver — How VOC Coins Transformed Japan's Economic Map
A Collision of Foreign Silver and Japanese Wealth on Dejima, Nagasaki
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StoryCommemorative Coins for the Crown Prince's Wedding — Tracing the History of Commemorative Currency
In 1993, commemorative coins of a 50,000 yen gold coin and a 10,000 yen silver coin were issued for the Crown Prince's (current Emperor) marriage, attracting 1,000,000 applications for the 'Congratulations Currency'
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StoryTenpō Tsūhō Utsushi (Satsuma Han) — Tracing the History of Anasen
The Satsuma Domain boldly continued to produce 'imitation coins' despite the shogunate's prohibition. Was it to rescue the domain's finances or as a rebellion against the shogunate? The mystery of the Tenpō Utsushi born out of local economies
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StoryProhibition on Exporting Silver Coins in the Taisho Era and the Surge in Bullion Prices — Tracing the History of Modern Coins
The surge in silver prices during World War I made it more profitable to melt and sell Taisho silver coins. What was behind the government's emergency prohibition order?
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StoryNaga-nen Taihō — Tracing the History of Ancient Coinage
The 7th coin of the Kōchō jūni-sen, issued in Shōwa 15 (848) during the reign of Emperor Ninmyō. From this time, the gap between the actual and nominal value of coins became serious.
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StoryThe Tragedy of the Man'en Nibu Koban (万延二分判金)
Gold purity 22.97%, weight 3.0g. A desperate measure to stop gold outflow that led to trust collapse
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StoryGenroku Chōgin - Tracing the History of Edo Silver Coins
Following the debasement of the Koban, silver was also counterfeited. The shock of the Genroku 8 (1695) Chōgin recoinage on Edo prices
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StoryOkinawa Reversion Commemorative Coins — Symbols Etched at a Historical Crossroads
A story of coins commemorating the return of Okinawa to Japan in 1972
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StoryThe Diversification of Coinage During the Sengoku Period — Tracing the History of Medieval Coinage
Each Sengoku Daimyo Had Their Own Monetary Policies. Nobunaga's Rakuichi Rakuza, Takeda's Kōshūkin — The Panorama of Coins on the Eve of Unification
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StoryShowa Pottery Coins (Prototype) – Tracing the History of Wartime Currency
In 1945, Japan, completely depleted of metals, attempted to create currency from "pottery." Pottery 5-sen and 1-sen coins — war altered currency to this extent
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StoryNagasaki Minted Kan'ei Tsūhō — The Coin Born in the Port Town of Japanese Isolation
Traces of Dutch Trade Engraved in Nagasaki, a Trade Hub during the Isolation Period
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StoryKanpyō Taihō — Tracing the History of Ancient Currency
Kanpyō 2 (890), Uda Tenno Era: The 10th of the Imperial Twelve Coins. A Quiet Prelude to the End of the Imperial Coin Era
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StoryEstablishment of the Gold Mint (Keichō 6) — Tracing the History of Edo Gold Coins
In Keichō 6 (1601), Tokugawa Ieyasu established a gold mint in Edo, creating a state-managed gold coin system. This systemic revolution supported the currency stability for 260 years of Edo.
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StoryMeiji Half-Sen — The Short-Lived Tale of a Copper Coin
Exploring the Background of Japan's Smallest Modern Coin, Disappeared in Just 3 Years
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StoryPorts and Imported Coins—The Gateway to Kamakura—Tracing the Medieval Coin History
Yuigahama and Wakaejima in Kamakura were ports where Chinese merchant ships arrived. The story of Song coins flowing from the sea to the land.
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StoryHeisei Inauguration Commemorative 100,000 Yen Gold Coin — Japan’s Historical Golden Emblem
Limited Edition Gold Coin Celebrating the Heisei Emperor’s Inauguration, Learning from the Showa Experience
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StoryMeiwa Gomome Gin — Tracing the History of Edo Silver Coins
The distinct weight mark "Gomome". The story of the Meiwa era's attempt to abolish the weighing system and its eventual failure
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StoryFuhonsen — Solving the Mystery of the Oldest Coin from the Asuka Period
Japan's oldest circulating currency unearthed in Nara, Asuka
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StoryA Chronological Overview of Koban Weight Changes — Tracing the History of Edo Gold Coinage
From the Keichō Koban at 17.8 g to the Man'en Koban at 3.3 g: weight fell to one-fifth over 265 years. A 'timeline of reduction' engraved with the shogunate's fiscal distress.
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StoryMeiji 2 Yen Gold Coin — Tracing the History of Modern Currency
Why was the 2 yen gold coin issued in Meiji 3 (1870) short-lived? A transitional product trying to reconcile with old currency.
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StoryThe Reality of Sengoku Bansen — Tracing the History of Medieval Currency
During the Sengoku period, bansen (板銭), made from finely cut copper plates, appeared across the regions. An era when metal pieces without coin shapes served as 'money'.
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StoryGenna Tsuho — Tracing the History of Holed Coins
Predecessor of the Kan'ei Tsuho. Why was the shogunate's second coin issued in Genna 3 (1617) replaced by the Kan'ei Tsuho in just 17 years?
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StoryTwo-System of Chōgin and Mameitagin — Tracing the History of Edo Silver Coins
Edo silver coins were always circulated as a set of 'Chōgin (丁銀, Large)' and 'Mameitagin (豆板銀, Small)'. Why was this peculiar two-system created?
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StoryFuhon-sen — Tracing the History of Ancient Coins
In 1999, excavations in Asuka unearthed 'Japanese coins older than Wadōkaichin'. Why was Fuhon-sen made and why was it forgotten?
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StorySado Gold Mine Koban — Tracing the History of Edo Gold Coins
Sado, the 'Island of Gold'. How the Sado Gold Mine supported the finances of the Edo Shogunate from the Keichō Koban—300 years of the mine and Koban
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StorySapporo Winter Olympics Commemorative 100 Yen Coin — Tracing the History of Commemorative Coins
In February 1972, the first Winter Olympics in Asia opened in Sapporo. The commemorative coin of the Tokyo Olympics (1964), the second Olympics held in Japan, conveys the excitement of the Showa era.
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StoryMeiji 5 Yen Gold Coin — The "Gold" Bridge Connecting Japan to the World
A Symbol of Transition to the Gold Standard, the Foundation of Modern Japan
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StoryYamato-minted Kan'ei Tsuuhou — The Phantom Coin That Supported the Temple Markets of Ancient Nara
A Rare Regional Coin That Lived With the Bustle of Tōdai-ji and Kōfuku-ji
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StoryEiraku Tsuho — The Chinese 'Standard Currency' that Moved Muromachi Japan
An Unknown Era When Foreign Coins Formed Japan's Economic Foundation
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StoryFoundation of the Ginza — The Story of Silver that Supported the Edo Period
Exploring the Currency System of the Edo Period and Its Historical Significance
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StoryKeichō Ichibuban Gold Coin (慶長一分判金) — The Significance of the Shogunate's Economic Policy on Small Gold Coins
A gold coin equivalent to 1/4 of a ryō issued by the Edo Shogunate in Keichō 6
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StorySeoul Olympic Commemorative 500 Yen—Symbol of Japan-Korea Bonds
The Story of the 500 Yen Coin Issued for the 1988 Seoul Olympics
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StoryWartime Zinc Coins (Prototypes and Plans) — Tracing the History of Wartime Currency
In the late Pacific War, Japan had even carried out trials for zinc coins, the worst material deterioration in history—deemed 'the last resort' after ceramics.
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StoryWadōkaichin — The Economic Revolution Sparked by Japan's First Coinage
The Story of Ancient Japan's Currency System Birth Sustained by the Discovery of the Nagato Copper Mine
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StoryThe Coin Selection Edict of the Sengoku Period — Tracing the History of Medieval Currency
"Only Accept Good Coins" — The Coin Selection That Spread During the Sengoku Period Was an Economic Terror That Troubled the Daimyo. Responses by Nobunaga, Ieyasu, and Shingen
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StoryTenpō Chōgin — The Lowest Purity Silver Coin Born During the Reform Era
Silver Coin of the Edo Period Born from the Financial Difficulties of the Tenpō Reforms
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StorySakamoto Kan'ei — The Fabled Kan'ei Tsuho Telling a Brief History
The Extremely Rare 'Kan'ei Tsuho' from the Sakamoto Mint
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StoryMeiji Trade Silver Coins — The Reason for the Birth of Silver Coins Exclusively for Foreign Trade
Japanese silver coins forbidden for domestic circulation, their design philosophy and fate
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StoryTenshō Ōban — The Symbol of Power from the Sengoku Period in a Massive Coin
Japan's Largest Gold Coin Reflecting Toyotomi Hideyoshi's Intentions, its History and Impact
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StoryReiwa Emperor's Accession Commemorative 100,000 Yen Gold Coin — A Golden Token Heralding a New Era
A commemorative gold coin issued in the first year of Reiwa telling Japan's future
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StoryTenpō Ichibugin — Bakufu's Last-ditch Effort in a Tumultuous Era
A silver coin aimed to overcome the financial crisis amid the Ōshio Heihachirō Rebellion and the Tenpō Famine
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StoryThe Mass Influx of Song Coins — Economic Reform in the Late Heian Period and Its Ripple Effects
The Trail of Chinese Copper Coins That Poured Through the Floodgates Opened by Taira no Kiyomori
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StoryShōwa 10-sen Nickel Coin — A Modern Coin Reflecting an Era of War-time Prioritization
Material Changes in Early Shōwa Era Reveal the Intersection of War and Economy
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StoryMameitagin — The Small Silver Coins Supporting Edo Economy
The Role of Irregularly Shaped and Weighted Mameitagin
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StoryKōchō Jūnisen — The Dream and Reality of the Ritsuryō State
The Rise and Fall of an Ancient State Over 250 Years of History
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StoryKan'ei Tsuho Tetsusen — The Unorthodox Currency Born from Copper Shortage
A Historical Scene Where Edo-period Minting Techniques and Economic Struggles Intersected
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StoryGenroku Ichibuban Kin — The Small Gold Coins of Edo That Changed Overnight
The Drastic Drop in Gold Purity of Genroku Ichibuban and Its Impact
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StoryFujushanpō — The End of Kōchōsen
The Story of the Fifth Kōchōsen Issued by Emperor Saga: Its Rise and Fall
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Story60th Anniversary of Local Autonomy Law 500 Yen Bicolor – 10-Year Journey Across 47 Prefectures
Commemorative Coin Series Born from the Law of 1947
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StoryNagano Olympic Commemorative 500 Yen — The Winter Festival and Five Cupronickel Coins in 1998
Japan's First Sport-Specific 500 Yen Coin Series Born from the 1998 Nagano Olympics
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StoryWartime Tin 10 Sen Coin — Japan's Dismal Outlook Etched in Tin of 1944
In an era when copper and nickel became weapons, the tin 10 sen coin narrates the last throes of wartime economy
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StoryThe Genroku Koban — Shigehide Ogiwara's Financial Revolution and the Consequences of the Genroku Bubble
The man who halved the gold content to save the shogunate, and the merits and demerits of his actions
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StoryChōsen Tsūhō — The Mission of the Imported Coin that Filled 600 Years of Coin Blank in Japan
From the Muromachi to Sengoku Period, the Foreign Copper Coin that Crossed the Sea and Moved the Japanese Market
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StoryWadōkaichin — Empress Genmei's Monetary Revolution
In 708, Japan's first national currency transformed the economy from the capital of Nara
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StoryPrince Shōtoku 100 Yen Silver Coin — The 'Ideal Face' Chosen by Postwar Japan in Shōwa 32
The first 100 yen coin engraved with an ancient saint vanished in just two years.
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StoryKan'ei Tsūhō — "Japan's Longest-Lived Coin" in Circulation for 230 Years
The history of the hole coin that continued to be used from the unification of Edo coinage in Kan'ei 13 (1636) to Meiji
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StoryIchibu-gin — The 'Gold-Silver Ratio Trap' Exposed by Unequal Treaties and the Monetary Crisis of the Late Edo Period
The Systematic Outflow of Gold Coins Triggered by the Opening of Ports in 1858, and the Shogunate's Last Resort: The Manen Recoinage
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StoryFormer 20-Yen Gold Coin (Meiji 3) — The Highest-Denomination Gold Coin That Stamped Modern Japan's 'Gold Standard'
The Story of the New Currency Regulations and the Osaka Mint Born from the Scars of the Boshin War, and the Enigmatic Meiji 3 Issue
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StoryTenpō Tsūhō — The Ambition and Forgery Storm of 'Tōhyaku Sen' Created by Financial Crisis
The Elliptical Coin Born from Famine and Financial Struggle in Late Edo Period, A Tumultuous 40 Years and Its End
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StoryKeichō Koban (慶長小判) — The Symbol of the Early Modern Monetary System Built by Tokugawa Ieyasu
The year after Sekigahara, Japan's first nationally unified gold coin was born
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