Japan, Hansatsu Scrip (1 Monme) - 1745 - Edo Period

Paper hansatsu (藩札) scrips were a staple currency during Japan's Edo Period, which lasted from 1603 to 1867 CE. These notes were issued by local feudal rulers to supplement coinage, and were typically redeemable for silver, gold, copper, or even commodity goods like rice.  The use of these paper notes changed significantly over time. During some periods they replaced coinage altogether, while others saw a complete ban on paper scrips due to anti-counterfeiting measures. Japanese scrips remained in print from the early 1600's until 1871, when the newly established Meiji government replaced them with a new national currency. These particular hansatsu come from the Shibamura Domain in central Japan. They date back to the first year of the Enkyo era, or 1745 CE on the Western calendar, and each was worth 1 monme and exchangeable for silver. Notes come with a rigid, archival grade currency protection sleeve. A Certificate of Authenticity is also included.