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Japanese, Hopefully Unc 1800's Coin


This coin actually looked to me to have some hope of being uncirculated.

Do you think there is any chance that it is?


http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&Item=380179146170






Comments

  • imageimage

    Hard to tell, but no obvious rub or bag-marks, so it is possible. The granular appearance of the fields is certainly consistent with an uncirculated casting.

    Pre-Meiji coinage is not my specialty, but I'm not totally convinced that the piece has been correctly attributed as Ansei Shin Ichi Bu Gin. They are sometimes difficult to distinguish from Meiji Kawatsune coins. It sold for a reasonable price, in either event.
    Roy


    image

  • Thank you for your advice!

    I hope when I post better pictures you will continue to share your knowledge.


  • Here are pictures. I don't see what I thought was toning in the auction pictures.

    I'm hoping it is problem free but must ask for your advice!

    image

    image



    http://i585.photobucket.com/albums/ss297/charlienorth/coins/ICHIBUobv.jpg

    http://i585.photobucket.com/albums/ss297/charlienorth/coins/ICHIBUrev.jpg


  • Often the first indication of wear on these coins is on what I call the "picture frame" raised borders, and they look really good.

    For what it's worth, I think you have at least an AU and probably an uncirculated. MS grades don't translate very well to cast coins, but the Japanese "best" grade does seem to apply.
    Roy


    image


  • << <i>Often the first indication of wear on these coins is on what I call the "picture frame" raised borders, and they look really good.

    For what it's worth, I think you have at least an AU and probably an uncirculated. MS grades don't translate very well to cast coins, but the Japanese "best" grade does seem to apply. >>




    After seeing a website showing off a Japanese collection including the rectangular shaped Nishu Gin, Ichibu and Ni Bu, I decided to get at least one. (I'd also like a bit older gold and siver alloy Ichibu.)


    I looked at quite a few on ebay with this one being the first that looked hopeful as uncirculated. It looks really nice in hand. It's pristine surfaces make me wonder if the coin isn't 'dipped' however.



    Thank you for your advice satootoko and for the "picture frame" grading tip!


  • << <i>Often the first indication of wear on these coins is on what I call the "picture frame" raised borders, and they look really good.

    For what it's worth, I think you have at least an AU and probably an uncirculated. MS grades don't translate very well to cast coins, but the Japanese "best" grade does seem to apply. >>



    (I thought this was a 'hammered coin' ? )

    Or am I showing my ignorance since I don't really know anything about cast or hammered coins?

    Thank you again for sharing your knowledge satootoko!
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