Yamato-minted Kan'ei Tsuuhou — The Phantom Coin That Supported the Temple Markets of Ancient Nara

In the early Edo period, the Tokugawa shogunate, having achieved national unification, aimed for economic stabilization and growth. One of its key policies was the organization of the currency system. Following the coinage of Keichō Kobans in Detail during the Keichō era (1596-1615) or the Keichō Chōgin, in Kan'ei 13 (1636), the innovative copper coin 'Kan'ei Tsuuhou' began to be minted. This was intended to unify coin circulation nationwide, facilitating economic activity. However, as commerce became more active across regions, some areas could not fulfill their needs with centrally minted coins alone. Nara, with its historical background, especially formed a special economic zone. Temple complexes like Tōdai-ji and Kōfuku-ji not only served as places of worship but also owned vast temple lands and multiple gate towns. During the Genna (1615-1624) to Kan'ei eras, Nara's population increased, and markets in front of temples saw daily crowds of merchants and worshippers. For instance, the area around Kōfuku-ji developed the commercial district called 'Naramachi', where a variety of goods were traded, from essential items like rice, salt, textiles, and lumber to crafts offered to temples. Large volumes of coins were crucial for these vibrant transactions, yet those supplied from Edo or Kyoto were barely sufficient, leading to price fluctuations and sometimes stagnation of business. This backdrop heightened the necessity for minting coins locally to stabilize the economy and protect local residents' livelihoods. Initially, the shogunate strictly restricted minting outside of public mints, but acknowledging the dire local situations, it shifted towards tacitly permitting minting at local coin mints under certain conditions. The Yamato-minted Kan'ei Tsuuhou was born in response to such demands, from the Kan'ei to Kanbun eras in Yamato Province, as a currency echoing the heartbeat of the regional economy.

The minting of Yamato-minted Kan'ei Tsuuhou is believed to have taken place at smaller, more community-centric mints, unlike the large-scale central mints for gold or silver. No specific minting site records survive, but they are thought to have been minted to meet local needs at several mints around Nara City and nearby areas. Some of these mints were officially sanctioned by the shogunate, while others might have operated in a somewhat semi-legal capacity. The most notable feature of Yamato mint is its calligraphy and thickness. Among Kan'ei Tsuuhou coins minted nationwide, Yamato mint is known for the distinctive way the second stroke of '永' character is written and the unique form of the shinnyou of '通'. Moreover, while generally thicker, they often have a rustic impression. These characteristics attest to local artisans crafting molds by hand and minting coins with limited technology and equipment, resulting in a rustic beauty distinct from sophisticated central mint coins. The material used was mainly an alloy of copper, tin, and lead. While known copper regions like Bitchū Fukuya (present-day Okayama) or Ashio Copper Mine (present-day Tochigi) were prominent, the source of Yamato mint materials is unclear. Local mints sometimes reportedly melted down old coins or religious items for reuse. The minting process involved making molds from clay or plaster, into which molten alloy was poured, following traditional methods. After cooling, the coins were removed, unwanted parts cut off, and each piece polished by hand, creating slight variations contributing to the coin's diversity and charm. Variations can be seen, for example, in the diameter, ranging from 23mm to 25mm, and weight, from 2.0g to 3.5g, showing handwork traces from around 400 years ago, conveying the spirit of craftsmen. Types and Differentiation of Edo Gold Coins further highlights the contrast in technology and background.

Yamato-minted Kan'ei Tsuuhou mainly circulated in Yamato Province, especially in the Nara basin and surrounding areas. The centers of circulation were the markets in front of Tōdai-ji and Kōfuku-ji. These temples attracted many worshippers and pilgrims throughout the year, fostering surrounding commercial development. During the mid-Edo period, the path to Tōdai-ji was lined with about 100 souvenir shops and eateries, and merchants actively traded around Kōfuku-ji in 'Naramachi'. In these markets, local agricultural products, crafts, and travel souvenirs were actively traded, requiring large amounts of coin currency for payments. Yamato-minted Kan'ei Tsuuhou circulated in such everyday economic activities, moving hand-to-hand, enabling trade. Exact prices of that time are unclear, but during the Kanbun era (1661-1673), rice (1 koku or about 150kg) was typically traded for 1 ryo of gold or about 4 kanmon in coins. Yamato mint was treated like other Kan'ei Tsuuhou as a 1 mon coin, but differences in quality and calligraphy might have led it to be valued slightly lower than official mints. However, it played a vital role in supplementing local coin shortages, making it indispensable to local merchants and residents. Buddhist monks from Tōdai-ji buying goods at market fronts or Kōfuku-ji craftsmen procuring daily items likely used these Yamato mint coins. Travelers visiting Nara from afar, upon receiving these unique coins, might have noticed subtle differences in texture or calligraphy, perhaps surprised by the distinctiveness. Yamato-minted Kan'ei Tsuuhou not only functioned as currency but also reflected Nara's rich history and culture, showcasing its people's livelihood, echoing the contrast with Details of Edo Silver Coins and Types and Variations of Kobans, reflecting everyday life.

The minting of Yamato-minted Kan'ei Tsuuhou is thought to have declined by the Kanbun era (1661-1673). This decline is likely because of the shogunate reinforcing mint control and stabilizing nationwide coin supply, reducing the need for local mints. Particularly from the Genroku period (1688-1704) onwards, the shogunate reorganized and integrated regional mints, enhancing public coin distribution. Consequently, coins like the Yamato mint, with unique regional characteristics, gradually vanished from the historical scene. However, their existence wasn't completely forgotten. By the late Edo period, they were already recognized as ancient coins and became collection targets for enthusiasts. Today, Yamato-minted Kan'ei Tsuuhou holds a special place among antique coin collectors and researchers due to its rarity and difficult identification. Few survive, and many remain uncertain in mint numbers, circulations rare in the market. Given the close resemblance to other local and privately minted coins, verification by experts is critical. Researchers detail aspects such as the final stroke flare of '永' or the '用' part of '通', analyzing Yamato mint authenticity. However, without unified molds, variation is vast, necessitating further research for clear criteria, heightening its mystique. Recently, scientific methods like X-ray analysis have attempted to determine origins from material composition. As a historical artifact narrating Edo-era local economy, minting technique, and Nara's history, Yamato-minted Kan'ei Tsuuhou continues to captivate many today, conveying handmade warmth and historical weight distinct from Value and Differentiation of Modern Coins.