Japan (1837-58) koban
The first specimen was lot 23346 in Stack's Bowers NYINC sale (New York, January 2023), where it sold for $2,040. The catalog description[1] noted, "JAPAN. Koban, ND (1837-58). Tempo Era. PCGS AU-55. Stamps: kyu/naga. A limitedly worn survivor that displays a plethora of details, this wonderful example is still rather strong and expressive, with much original charm retained. The stamps are bold and show almost no evidence of handling, and the piece maintains an air of beauty about it. From the Augustana Collection." The second specimen was lot 1760 in SINCONA Auction 97 (Zürich, May 2025), where it did not sell. The catalog description[2] noted,
"JAPAN, Tenpo Era. Tenpo Koban-Kin (1837-1843), Vorzüglich. Kleine Kratzer. (empire of Japan, Tenpo Era, undated koban, circa 1837-43, Extremely Fine, Small scratches.)"
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. We wonder where the SCWC got the mintage figure reported here.
Recorded mintage: 8,120,450.
Specification: 11.2 g, mixed gold and silver, the second specimen 11.25 g.
Catalog reference: Fr-15; KM-C22b; JNDA-09-21; JC-03-22.
- 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.
- The Catalog of Japanese Coins and Banknotes, Tokyo: JNDA (Japanese Numismatic Dealers Assn.), 2014.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- [1]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, The January 2023 NYINC Auction: Ancient Coins, World Coins & Paper Money, featuring the Taraszka Collection and the Mark and Dottie Salton Collection, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers LLC, 2022.
- [2]Richter, Jurg, SINCONA Auction 97: World and Swiss Coins and Medals, SINCONA Bullion Auction, Zürich: SINCONA AG, 2025.
Link to:
- (1818-28) koban, Bunsei Era
- (1829-37) shu (isshu gin), Bunsei Era
- Japan (1832-58) 2 shu, Tenpo Era
- Japan (1837-54) bu, silver, Tenpo era
- (1837-58) gold bu, Tempo era
- Japan (1837-43) goryoban = 5 ryo
- Japan (1859) koban, Ansei era
- Coins and currency dated 1837