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Japanese Gold 2 Shu Coin (about 195-200 years ago)

$382.50 $450.00
sale

This is a small rectangular gold coin from Japan's Edo period, part of the traditional Japanese monetary system during the Bunsei era of Shogun Tokugawa Ienari.

Coin Description:

  • Front side: Likely features stamped official marks and calligraphic inscriptions

  • Back side: Probably shows additional verification marks

Technical Details:

  • Gold composition

  • 2 Shu denomination (smaller gold unit, equal to 1/4 Ryo)

  • JDNA reference number 09-48

  • Bunsei Shin Nanryo type

  • Certified by PCGS with exceptional MS 63 grade (Mint State)

  • Minted during 1824-1830

Historical Significance: The 2 Shu gold coins were part of Japan's complex pre-modern currency system, which used multiple metals and denominations. During the Bunsei era (1818-1830), the Tokugawa Shogunate implemented currency reforms to address economic challenges. The term "Shin Nanryo" indicates this was part of the "new coinage" issued during this reform period. These small, precisely made rectangular gold pieces represent the sophisticated economic system of Edo period Japan before Western influence led to the adoption of round coin formats and decimal systems in the Meiji era.

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This is a small rectangular gold coin from Japan's Edo period, part of the traditional Japanese monetary system during the Bunsei era of Shogun Tokugawa Ienari.

Coin Description:

  • Front side: Likely features stamped official marks and calligraphic inscriptions

  • Back side: Probably shows additional verification marks

Technical Details:

  • Gold composition

  • 2 Shu denomination (smaller gold unit, equal to 1/4 Ryo)

  • JDNA reference number 09-48

  • Bunsei Shin Nanryo type

  • Certified by PCGS with exceptional MS 63 grade (Mint State)

  • Minted during 1824-1830

Historical Significance: The 2 Shu gold coins were part of Japan's complex pre-modern currency system, which used multiple metals and denominations. During the Bunsei era (1818-1830), the Tokugawa Shogunate implemented currency reforms to address economic challenges. The term "Shin Nanryo" indicates this was part of the "new coinage" issued during this reform period. These small, precisely made rectangular gold pieces represent the sophisticated economic system of Edo period Japan before Western influence led to the adoption of round coin formats and decimal systems in the Meiji era.

This is a small rectangular gold coin from Japan's Edo period, part of the traditional Japanese monetary system during the Bunsei era of Shogun Tokugawa Ienari.

Coin Description:

  • Front side: Likely features stamped official marks and calligraphic inscriptions

  • Back side: Probably shows additional verification marks

Technical Details:

  • Gold composition

  • 2 Shu denomination (smaller gold unit, equal to 1/4 Ryo)

  • JDNA reference number 09-48

  • Bunsei Shin Nanryo type

  • Certified by PCGS with exceptional MS 63 grade (Mint State)

  • Minted during 1824-1830

Historical Significance: The 2 Shu gold coins were part of Japan's complex pre-modern currency system, which used multiple metals and denominations. During the Bunsei era (1818-1830), the Tokugawa Shogunate implemented currency reforms to address economic challenges. The term "Shin Nanryo" indicates this was part of the "new coinage" issued during this reform period. These small, precisely made rectangular gold pieces represent the sophisticated economic system of Edo period Japan before Western influence led to the adoption of round coin formats and decimal systems in the Meiji era.

The Shu (朱) is a Japanese gold square coin that circulated during the Edo period.

Shu coins with a gold alloy first originated during the Bunsei era as they were first minted sometime in May 1824. These first square coins feature a Paulownia crest with 1 Shu (一朱) on the obverse and has Shozaburo Goto's [ja] signature engraved on the reverse. Initially, they were struck with an alloy of 12.3% gold, 87.4% silver, and 0.3% other miscellaneous material with weights of 1.40 grams.[1] The gold content was intentionally kept low as the Shu was intended to be a subsidiary currency of the Ichibuban, and Koban.[2]

When they were issued for circulation in July of the same year counterfeiters quickly took advantage of their quality. Of issue was the coin's low gold purity as its color was easy to replicate. Although efforts were made to dissolve any silver content on the coin's surface, the gold coloring wore off through circulation which gave way to a mixed and eventually silver coloring.[3] These coins also proved to be unpopular with the public as they were small, unwieldy, and easy to lose.[4] Replacements for the gold Shu in the form of silver coinage began on July 10, 1829, and gold Shu coinage ended in the 3rd year of Tenpō (1832). Legally, the series was discontinued at the end of the 11th year of Tenpō (1840).

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