Valve Of Japanese 1859-1868 Ichibu Gin

LeeG

Wondering if anyone can tell me a little bit about this coin such as grade and price information. Thanks, Lee

LeeG

Anyone? Thanks, Lee

satootoko

It's a little before the period I collect, but from the pictures in the 2004 JNDA Catalog, it looks more like a Tenpo (1837-54) than an Ansei (1859-68). The upper left corner of the character at the lower right of the second picture has less of a slant, and is closer to square on an Ansei piece. If you have an accurate enough scale, check on whether it's 8.66g (Tenpo) or 8.63g (Ansei). There is a higher silver content, as well as a greater weight, in the earlier version. BTW to the extent that the Krause dating explanation for these coins varies from the JNDA Catalog, I tend to go with JNDA.

Subject to the traditional disclaimer of accuracy when grading from a photo, it looks pretty lusterous to me, and I would grade it no less than AU. The catalog value of the most common variety is ¥6-8,000 (~$55-80). The rarest variety is listed at ¥150-220,000 (~$1,470-1,960).

Krause lists the Tempo (the "M" and "N" sounds are interchangeable in Japanese, and written with the same character in Katakana) at $30 XF (C#16) and the Ansei at $27.50 (C#16a).

shirohniichan

I see them for sale regularly for $25 to $30.

LeeG

Thanks for the help!!!!!!!!! Lee

sumnom

I saw one go for $60 about three years ago in similar condition.