Japan (1714-36) koban
This specimen was lot 51196 in Stack's Bowers Hong Kong auction (Hong Kong, April 2021), where it sold for $4,080. The catalog description[1] noted,
"JAPAN. Koban, ND (ca. 1714-36). Kyoho Era. PCGS Genuine--Chopmark, Unc Details Gold Shield. This charming example displays lovely pale orange-gold tone over lustrous surfaces with a hint of an iridescent sheen adding to its pleasing appearance. Both sides exhibit numerous small chopmarks as is commonly encountered on early Koban issues accounting for the details designation adding a bit of character. The chopmarks would seem to indicate that this piece saw much circulation. However, the remaining luster and complementary light patination show that it was handled with great care adding to its originality. This tough to locate gold issue is usually found heavily circulated many chopmarks or other signs of maltreatment and is quite interesting in this high state of preservation sure to be a welcome addition to the next collection it enters."
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 the most common koban shown in the SCWC for the eighteenth century.
Recorded mintage: 8,280,000.
Specification: 17.78 g, 0.861 fine gold, this specimen 17.74 g.
Catalog reference: Fr-12; JNDA-09-17.
- 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.
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