Japanese Silver Collection, Edo to Meiji Era - c. 1700 to 1868 - Edo Japan

This collection includes all three of the most prolific types of silver money used from the late Edo period to early Meiji era in Japan. It includes one of each of the following: Ichibu-gin: This is the larger of the two rectangular coins, produced by the Tokugawa shogunate at the end of the Edo Period, from 1837 to 1868. Known as "Ichibu-gin," each coin is about 96% pure silver and was stamped with the character "定" by the mint to show its authenticity. Isshu-gin: This is the smaller of the two rectangular coins, also produced at the end of the Edo Period, from 1853 to 1865. They're known as "Kaei Isshugin" and are also about 96% pure silver. Mameita-gin: These are small bean-shaped coins made from low purity silver, which also played an essential role in Japan's currency during the Edo Period. Before the rectangular silver coins emerged in 1765, these charming Mameita-gin circulated alongside larger and heavier silver ingots known as Chogin. They were widely used for everyday tran