
Image: Modern Japanese coinage / photographed by Samuel Ho / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0(source)
Genna 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?
Subject coin: 元和通宝
Overview
Genna Tsuho is an essential piece to discuss the monetary history of Japan from 1617-1636. As the predecessor of the Kan'ei Tsuho, why was the shogunate's second coin issued in Genna 3 (1617) replaced in just 17 years by the Kan'ei Tsuho? This article traces the Genna Tsuho as a holed coin, from its historical context of origin, minting techniques, distribution dynamics, to its impact on future generations, following historical facts as a narrative. Understanding the historical context behind this coin, which cannot be seen through market numbers alone, will greatly change how its value is perceived. The history of Japanese currency began with the Wado Kaichin cast in the Nara period, continuing through the diverse gold and silver coins of the Edo period to the modern coins in the Meiji era. Those who want to understand from the basics should also check Types and Identification of Holed Coins and Details of the Kan'ei Tsuho.
Specifications
- Denomination
- —
- Minting period
- 1617-1636
- Metal composition
- —
- Weight
- —
- Dimensions
- —
- Mintage
- 不詳(諸説あり)
- Mint supervisor
- 不詳
- Market price
- 状態により変動(落札履歴を参照)
The Era When Genna Tsuho Emerged — Background of Its Minting

Image: Modern Japanese coinage / Coindesmonnaies / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0(source)
The background of Genna Tsuho's emergence is deeply tied to the political and economic circumstances of its time. Holed coins were minted in response to fiscal and distribution challenges faced by rulers, born from the needs of the society at that time. First, let's look at why this currency was necessary and the historical circumstances under which it began. The fact that it began minting in Genna 3 (1617) is indispensable to understanding the historical positioning of this currency. The discontinuation with the minting of Kan'ei Tsuho in Kan'ei 13 (1636) is an essential fact in understanding its historical position. Additionally, referring to Check auction prices in old coin auctions will deepen your understanding even further. Considering the prices and systems of the era when it was minted reveals that the significance of coins with the same name can vary greatly depending on the issue period. Existing specimens increase in rarity over time as they undergo wear and oxidation, making those that maintain their mint condition increasingly rare. Market evaluation intertwines rarity, preservation state, and popularity among collectors, and price cannot be explained by just one of these dimensions.
How Genna Tsuho Was Made — Materials and Techniques

Image: Modern Japanese coinage / Coindesmonnaies / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0(source)
The materials and manufacturing techniques are indispensable in discussing the value of Genna Tsuho. Holed coins bear the craftsmanship of the artisans of the time in the composition of the metal and finishing techniques, directly affecting evaluations today. Carefully tracing the choice of materials and manufacturing process unveils the accumulated technology embodied in each piece. The fact that it was the second copper coin issued by the Edo shogunate is key to understanding its historical significance. Referring to the price trend through market charts will further deepen your understanding. Existing specimens increase in rarity over time as they undergo wear and oxidation, making those that maintain their mint condition increasingly rare. Market evaluation intertwines rarity, preservation state, and popularity among collectors, and price cannot be explained by just one of these dimensions. Grasping the basic points such as the character style, tone of the metal, dimensions, and weight is the first step in distinguishing authenticity and lineage. Learning the historical background allows you to feel the cultural depth unique to the currency, which cannot be measured by market numbers alone. As you continue collecting, the historical background and minting circumstances of each coin link up like a chain, and your knowledge grows in a multidimensional way.
Genna Tsuho and People's Lives — Circulation and Economy

Image: Modern Japanese coinage / Coindesmonnaies / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0(source)
After issuance, Genna Tsuho was used in transactions from hand to hand in people's daily lives. Understanding how holed coins circulated in commerce and affected prices and transactions is crucial for comprehending monetary history. By examining the economic movements of the time and public reactions, we decode the role this currency played. The fact that it bears the four characters ‘元和通宝’ is significant in understanding its historical position. Checking Ancient Coin Grading Standards will further deepen your understanding. Market evaluation intertwines rarity, preservation state, and popularity among collectors, and price cannot be explained by just one of these dimensions. Grasping the basic points such as the character style, tone of the metal, dimensions, and weight is the first step in distinguishing authenticity and lineage. Learning the historical background allows you to feel the cultural depth unique to the currency, which cannot be measured by market numbers alone. As you continue collecting, the historical background and minting circumstances of each coin link up like a chain, and your knowledge grows in a multidimensional way. An old coin is a document reflecting economic policy and people's lives of its time, and understanding the background changes how its value is perceived.
Legacy of Genna Tsuho — Impact on Future Generations

Image: Modern Japanese coinage / Coindesmonnaies / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0(source)
Genna Tsuho left an impact on subsequent currencies and the history of collecting even after its era. Considering how holed coins were positioned amid re-casting, abolition, and succession, and evaluating how they are viewed today enhances precision in value judgment. The fact that it was minted in small quantities and existing numbers are extremely rare is crucial to understanding its historical significance. Referencing Monitoring coin prices in Vault will further deepen your understanding. Grasping the basic points such as the character style, tone of the metal, dimensions, and weight is the first step in distinguishing authenticity and lineage. Learning the historical background allows you to feel the cultural depth unique to the currency, which cannot be measured by market numbers alone. As you continue collecting, the historical background and minting circumstances of each coin link up like a chain, and your knowledge grows in a multidimensional way. An old coin is a document reflecting economic policy and people's lives of its time, and understanding the background changes how its value is perceived. Considering the prices and systems of the era when it was minted reveals that the significance of coins with the same name can vary greatly depending on the issue period.
Value & Rarity
The market value of Genna Tsuho is determined by three factors: rarity, preservation state (grade), and popularity among collectors. Even among the same holed coins, prices can vary several-fold to tens of times depending on the minting period, difference in character styles, and how close to unused condition they are. Labels with limited surviving numbers have fewer opportunities to appear on the market, and those in a good state increase in rarity year by year. A prudent approach to understanding market trends is to confirm realized auction prices rather than just asking prices across multiple cases. The latest price trends can be checked by Monitoring coin prices in Vault. Market evaluation intertwines rarity, preservation state, and popularity among collectors, and price cannot be explained by just one of these dimensions. Grasping the basic points such as the character style, tone of the metal, dimensions, and weight is the first step in distinguishing authenticity and lineage.
Conclusion
Genna Tsuho was born out of needs from 1617-1636, played its role in people's lives, and left a legacy for future generations. Knowing the history behind a single piece of currency nurtures a keen expertise that cannot be acquired from market numbers alone. For those interested in holed coins, it is recommended to patiently compare multiple transaction data and slowly develop your judgment criteria.
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Dealers
Dealers Handling This Category
A reference when considering a sale or appraisal. All are dealers and auction houses with a proven track record.
Japan Coin Auction (JCA)
Tokyo
Holds regular auctions with reliable hammer price data, making it a useful resource for tracking market values. Caters to a wide range of collectors from beginners to advanced buyers.
Osaka Numismatic Auction
Osaka
A Kansai-based coin auction house with particular strength in regional and hole coins.
Ginza Coins
Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
One of Japan's most established numismatic dealers. The scale and variety of their regular auctions is among the largest in the country. Their catalogs are considered a benchmark for market pricing.