Japan – Tokugawa Shogunate – Set of 4 Silver Ichibu Gin (Tempo Era, 1837–1854)
•Material: Silver (.980 fine approx.)
•Approx. Weight (each): ~8.5 – 9.0 g
•Approx. Dimensions: ~24 × 16 mm, rectangular shape
•Era: Tempo period (AD 1837–1854)
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Obverse (all coins):
Central cartouche with inscriptions such as 「定」 (jō, “standard/authorized”) and references to the Ginza assayers. Decorative floral border (cherry blossoms).
Reverse (all coins):
Characters 「一分銀」 (Ichibu Gin, “One Bu Silver”) in vertical script within a cartouche, framed by floral decoration.
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Historical Note:
The Ichibu Gin was an official silver denomination of the Tokugawa monetary system, introduced during the Tempo Reforms (1837–1854). These rectangular silver coins circulated widely in Japan before the Meiji Restoration. Their distinctive design—with bold inscriptions and decorative borders—makes them one of the most iconic forms of Japanese pre-modern currency.
A set of four specimens such as this offers an excellent representation of Edo-period commerce and coinage.