Japan (1859) koban
This specimen was lot 43220 in Stack's Bowers NYINC sale (New York, January 2026), where it sold for $4,320. The catalog description[1] noted, "JAPAN. Koban (Ryo), ND (1859). Ansei Era. PCGS Genuine--Scratch, Unc Details. This handsome example displays a pale gold coloration with hints of sunset hued patina near the edges. The stamps are bold, clear and lustrous with clear definition of the details. Close inspection reveals light scratches on the reverse, accounting for the details designation. Despite its shortcomings a decent example of the type." 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. Numista notes that the koban was demonetized in 1874.
Recorded mintage: 351,000.
Specification: 8.97 g, 0.570 fine gold, this specimen 9.0 g.
Catalog reference: KM C22c, Fr-16; JNDA-09-22; 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.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- The Catalog of Japanese Coins and Banknotes, Tokyo: JNDA (Japanese Numismatic Dealers Assn.), 2014.
- [1]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, January 2026 NYINC Showcase Auction, Ancient and World Coins, featuring the Kazmier Wysocki Collection, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers Galleries, Inc., 2025.
Link to:
- Japan (1837-58) koban, Tempo era
- Japan (1859-68) bu, Ansei Era
- Japan (1856-60) 2 bu, Ansei era
- Japan (1859) 3 bu, c/s on Mexico 8 reales
- Japan (1860-67) koban, Manen era
- Coins and currency dated 1859