Japan (1710-14) koban
This specimen was lot 51195 in Stack's Bowers Hong Kong auction (Hong Kong, April 2021), where it sold for $9,000. The catalog description[1] noted,
"JAPAN. Koban, ND (1710-14). Shotoku Era. PCGS AU-58 Gold Shield. Struck to commemorate the Hoei era. Obverse: lined fields, calligraphy in two rectangles and fan-shaped cartouches at top and bottom with paulownia flowers, and a number of impressions from stamps applied to the opposing side; Reverse: a number of stamped hallmarks and the impressions of stamps from the opposing side. The piece exhibits a warm, pleasing gold to orange-peel color. A RARE issue and highly sought after, especially in certified condition."
Officially, one koban = one ryo = four bu = 16 shu, but the SCWC notes that the relative value of these predecimal coins varied with market rates. This is a rare koban despite the large mintage.
Recorded mintage: 11,515,500.
Specification: 9.34 g, 0.834 fine gold, this specimen 9.40 g.
Catalog reference: Fr-11; JNDA-09-15; JV-B103; Hartill-8.18.
- Friedberg, Arthur L. and Ira S. Friedberg, Gold Coins of the World, From Ancient Times to the Present, 9th ed., Clifton, NJ: Coin and Currency Institute, 2017.
- Michael, Thomas, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1701-1800, 7th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2016.
- The Catalog of Japanese Coins and Banknotes, Tokyo: JNDA (Japanese Numismatic Dealers Assn.), 2014.
- [1]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, The April 2021 Hong Kong Auction, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers LLC, 2021.
Link to:
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- (1710-11) mameita gin, Genbun era
- Japan (1714-36) koban
- Japan (1764-72) 5 momme, Meiwa Go-monme-gin
- Coins and currency dated 1710