Translation help for a coin

[czoller]

I was wondering if anyone could tell me what is written on this coin. I assume it to be a date.

Thanks,

 

Chris

[Nobody]

寛永通寳 - Kan'ei tsuho

Ref. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_mon_(currency)

[czoller]

Thank you for the reply. It has started me on a path which is already yielding

much information.

 

Chris

[Bugyotsuji]

Does the back have waves on it, or 文?

[czoller]

The back doesn't have the wave, it has what I have think is the Bun mark.

Do you have any other info? I have purchased a book about these coins to see

if I can date it. The research I've seen says that the date can be determined by

the way the Kanji is written. I am still trying to learn: :D

Thank you,

 

Chris

[Bugyotsuji]

It sounds as though you are slightly ahead of where I am, Chris!

 

The Bun is actually read Mon for coins; it means it is a single cash coin, "Ichi Mon Sen" 2.3cm in diameter.

 

The ones with waves were 4-Mon coins, 2.8 cm across.

 

Single Mon Kan-ei-tsu-ho were minted from 1636 till 1862.

 

Yon Mon Sen were minted from 1768 onwards in either copper or brass.

 

Cash coins were used for everyday purchases; you could have your treasured gold or silver blobs weighed at special exchanges in order to get bags of such everyday money, I understand.

 

As to books, I started reading Japanese material but the depth of detail was bewildering so I gave up. The width of the edging tells something. The style of the Kanji strokes may determine both the date and the value today. Good luck!

 

Oops, I have just opened Koichi San's link above! Read that first!!!

[czoller]

Thank you very much for the reply. As soon as my books arrive and I've had

time to study, I will let you know what I can determine about the coin. I am just

trying to date it at this time.

 

Chris

[Bugyotsuji]

Well, what else do you know about it? Notice the rim is quite wide. What is written on the frame? What did the dealer tell you? Can you post a shot of the back as that sometimes proves something, such as the shape of the 文?

 

I have just spent half an hour looking at seven pages of Kan Ei Tsu Ho and I'm feeling a bit dizzy.

[czoller]

I do not have the coin yet. To be honest, it is an Ebay purchase (VERY inexpensive).

Here is a picture of the back. The listing said 1600's as to the date. But I like to

discover things for myself (maybe getting a little old and not willing to trust so much:) )

 

Chris

[Bugyotsuji]

Well, the first coins minted in 1668 had almost that exact design on them, but the slight differences over the years are only noticeable once they've been pointed out.

 

Further mintings took place in 1700, 1708 and 1714, and then the design on the back starts to change.... and that's where I lose the plot! :lol:

 

Your coin may be cheap but it's a pretty example. I carry a few in a coin purse just to remind me of how they might have looked when they really did rub against each other.

[czoller]

Thank you for the information. When I finally get the coin and

my book, I will start my research. I will be sure to let you know

what I find (if anything:) )