Bank of Japan Currency Museum

Higashiyama

I had a chance to visit the BOJ Currency Museum this morning. They have a very nice exhibit tracing the history of Japanese money from around 700 AD to the present. In addition to many impressive early coins , they had some "Fundokin" - gold ingots made in the 16th and 17th century. They were somewhat "barbell" shaped, poured into a mold creating an intricate edge pattern. The late 19th century coins and paper money, showing the harmonization of Japan's financial system with that of Europe and the US, was also interesting. Both coins and paper money from that early very closely paralleled that of the US.

In any case, if you have a chance to visit Tokyo, stop by the BOJ museum. It is easily accessible and very much worth the visit!

(one curiosity -- a Queen Victoria 5 pound gold on display was described as having been minted in 1774)

Stork

Somehow I missed this museum when I lived there. Recently acquired a catalog and desperately wish I could go back. It looks very interesting!