Japan (Edo Period): ca. 1835-1870 cast bronze 100-mon, Tenpō Tsūhō

Numista-11614.

These cast bronze Tenpō Tsūhō coins are popular with collectors for their quintessentially Japanese character, their ovoid shape with square center holes, and their relatively large (49 x 32 mm) size; they fit nicely into the palm of one's hand. 

They were issued near the end of the Edo period under the Tokugawa Shogunate (the final era of the Samurai).  It was a time when Japan was modernizing, emerging from its isolation, and increasing contact with outside cultures and foreign nations.  Midway through the timespan of this coin, the United States Navy expedition under Commodore Matthew Perry visited Japan in the 1850s.

Obverse: four vertical characters divided by hole.

Script: Chinese (traditional, regular script)

Lettering:
天
保
通
寶

Translation:
Tenpō
Currency

Reverse: vertical inscription for denomination in Chinese regular script above hole. Signature of mint official below.

Script: Chinese (traditional, regular script)

Lettering:
當
百

Translation:
Equal
Hundred

This example has nice contrasting patina and sharp casting.

Ex-eBay, 8 December 2024.

Collection : Sold Items