This coin was minted by the Tokugawa Shogunate during the Edo Period (1603-1868). They were only issued in the early decades of the newly established Tokugawa Shogunate. The obverse of the coin displays the Japanese characters Kan Ei Tsu Ho and the reverse is blank. Each coin has a diameter of about 2.4 centimetres. The idea for the coin is traditionally said to have originated in a dream of Tokugawa Iemitsu (1623-1651), the third Shogun of the Tokugawa Shogunate. 

These coins were introduced in 1636 and would continue to be minted until 1668. Most were produced between the years of 1636 and 1640. They are known as ‘Old Kanei’ coins as ‘New Kanei’ coins were instituted in 1668 and issued until 1867. ‘New Kanei’ coins are stylistically different from the older coins.

Unlike our modern coins, which are struck using dies, these Japanese coins were produced via sand casting. After the coins were cast, they would then be filed down. As a result of this process, the raised areas of the coin are smooth whereas the lower areas still show the texture of the sand that was used to cast the coin. On some coins, you can still see the original file marks. The coin you purchase may differ slightly from the examples in the photographs due to age, wear and casting irregularities.

This coin is a must have for anyone with an interest in Japanese culture and history. 

You are purchasing one ‘Old Kanei’ coin that was made between 1636 and 1668 using the traditional sand casting method.