Tenpo Chogin (Ho-ji Chogin) Purchase
— Appraisal Considering Weight, Markings, Condition, and Market Value (Issued in 1837)
About Tenpo Chogin Purchase (GoldSilverJapan)

GoldSilverJapan purchases **Tenpo Chogin**, coins issued in the late Edo period. Tenpo Chogin are weighed coins minted from 1837 (Tenpo 8), and are also called "Ho-ji Chogin"** because they bear the marking "Ho" on their surface. Unlike modern coins, which have a consistent weight and shape, these are unique Japanese silver coins that were weighed and used based on that weight. Therefore, GoldSilverJapan appraises them not simply based on the silver bullion price, but also by comprehensively considering weight, type and condition of markings, shape, condition, authenticity, and circulation in the antique coin market.

Understanding the Purchase Price of Tenpo Chogin

Tenpo Chogin coins are not uniform in length or weight, and there are significant differences between individual coins. Furthermore, the silver purity is said to be **261% silver / 739% other metals (approximately 26.1% silver)**, a lower silver purity than the Bunsei Chogin coins issued earlier. However, the current value of Tenpo Chogin coins is not determined solely by the material value of the silver they contain. Because they are historical antique silver coins that tell the story of Edo period currency history, and have their own independent collection market, GoldSilverJapan checks the weight, markings, overall shape, the condition of the lettering and patterns on the surface, discoloration, corrosion, damage, and whether or not they have been processed. In particular, market valuations can differ depending on the weight and type of markings, so the purchase price is not uniform even for the same Tenpo Chogin coin.

What is Tenpo Chogin? – A Weighed Silver Coin from the Edo Period

Tenpo Chogin coins are a type of silver coin issued under the Edo Shogunate's monetary system. They were first issued in 1837 (Tenpo 8), appearing against the backdrop of the currency reform during the Tenpo era. Chogin coins are elongated, irregularly shaped silver ingots, significantly different from modern round coins. They were not counted coins with fixed face values, but rather used as weighed currency, where value was determined by weight. The obverse features markings such as "Daikoku" (a depiction of Daikoku) and "Jōze," with the character "Ho" (保) being a distinctive identifying feature in Tenpō Chogin coins. Known as "Hoji Chogin" due to this marking, they are important ancient coins for understanding the monetary system and economic history of the Edo period.

Differences in Silver Purity and Bunsei Chogin

The silver purity of Tenpō Chogin is said to be 261% silver and 739% other silver, resulting in a silver content of approximately 26.1%. Compared to the earlier Bunsei Chogin, the silver purity was reduced by about 10 percentage points, directly reflecting the history of currency reform by the Edo shogunate. Therefore, when appraising Tenpō Chogin, simply calculating "silver price x weight because it's old silver" is insufficient. In addition to the value of the silver contained within, it is necessary to consider the historical significance of the coin as an existing Edo period currency and its demand in the antique coin market. Especially for coins with good shape, clearly visible main markings, significant weight, or distinctive marking configurations, their marketability is assessed before evaluation.

Weight, Markings, and Condition are Important

Weight and markings are particularly important in the appraisal of Tenpo Chogin coins. Since Chogin coins are not standardized circular coins, each coin differs in shape, length, thickness, and weight. Even the longest diameter is "variable," and authenticity and value cannot be determined solely by a specific length. During appraisal, in addition to the measured weight and dimensions, the placement and clarity of markings, including "Ho," and the surface condition are checked. Even if there is natural tarnishing or discoloration due to age, appraisal is still possible, so we do not recommend polishing with abrasives before selling. In the case of antique coins, the natural surface condition itself is an important factor in the evaluation, so if the original surface is lost due to cleaning or polishing, it may affect the appraisal. Please consult us in the condition it was in when it was discovered and stored, as much as possible.


Basic Specifications and Historical Value of Tenpo Chogin (Temporary Silver Coin)

Name: Tenpo Chogin (Ho-ji Chogin). Issuance Start: 1837 (Tenpo 8). Era: Edo period, Tenpo era. Issuer: Edo Shogunate. Type: Weighed silver coin. Material: Silver and other metals. Silver Purity: Silver 261/Other 739 (approx. 26.1%). Weight: Irregular. Diameter: Irregular. Features: An irregularly shaped silver coin bearing the "Ho" mark, and other marks such as the image of Daikoku and Tsuneyoshi. The irregular shape of the Tenpo Chogin itself symbolizes the monetary system of the Edo period. In the current antique coin market, it is traded not merely as low-purity silver, but as an Edo period Chogin representing the history of Japanese currency. Therefore, GoldSilverJapan assesses its market value as an antique coin, while confirming the silver content as one of the elements that constitute the lower limit of its value.


Market Data Reference (Coinpedia)

At GoldSilverJapan, we also refer to our own coin market database, **Coinpedia**, when appraising Japanese antique coins, including Tenpo Chogin. We conduct appraisals while checking multiple market sources, including domestic and international auction transactions, the circulation status of antique coins, past sales examples, and price differences based on weight and condition. Because Tenpo Chogin coins exhibit significant individual variation, it is not appropriate to apply a single catalog price directly as the purchase price. In particular, the valuation changes depending on weight, markings, authenticity, and condition, so we refer to market data that is as close as possible to the characteristics of the actual coin. Coinpedia and past market prices are reference information for appraisal and do not guarantee a specific purchase price or future value.

Online Purchase (No In-Store Service)

GoldSilverJapan is an online-only coin, antique coin, and precious metal buyer without a physical store. We accept appraisals of Tenpo Chogin coins from anywhere in Japan without face-to-face contact. Simply provide us with photos of the obverse, reverse, and side, along with the weight, and we can provide a free, simplified appraisal based on the photos. Afterward, if necessary, you can mail us the actual coins for a final appraisal, checking their weight, dimensions, markings, and surface condition. We accept consultations for even a single Tenpo Chogin coin, and we can also appraise multiple Edo-period Japanese coins, including Bunsei Chogin, Genbun Chogin, Ansei Chogin, Mameitagin, Koban, Ichibugin, and Isshugin.


For those wishing to sell:

While Tenpo Chogin coins have a silver purity of approximately 26.1%, their value cannot be determined solely by their silver content. These historical weighed silver coins, issued from 1837, are collected for their unique weight, irregular shape, and markings, including the "Ho" character. The purchase price varies depending on the weight and type of markings. If you find what you believe to be a Tenpo Chogin coin at home, please contact us in its original state without polishing or processing it. GoldSilverJapan appraises each coin individually, considering not only its material value as silver but also its market value as a Japanese antique coin.


GoldSilverJapan
Online Buyback Specialist - Nationwide Service

FAQ

Q1. Can you buy Tenpo Chogin (Ho-ji Chogin)?

Yes. GoldSilverJapan buys Tenpo Chogin. We assess its weight, markings, condition, authenticity, and market trends.

Q2. How much does a Tenpo Chogin weigh?

Since Chogin is a weighed currency, its weight is not uniform. Each individual coin has a different weight, and its actual weight is an important factor in the assessment.

Q3. What is a "Ho-ji Chogin"?

Tenpo Chogin are commonly called "Ho-ji Chogin" because they bear the markings of the character "Ho". They are Edo period Chogin issued from 1837 (Tenpo 8).

Q4. What is the silver purity of Tenpo Chogin?

It is said to be 261% silver and 739% other metals, meaning a silver purity of approximately 26.1%. The silver purity was lowered compared to the earlier Bunsei Chogin. Q5. Is the purchase price determined solely by the silver content?

No. While silver content is one factor in the evaluation, Tenpo Chogin coins have collectible value as antique coins. We comprehensively evaluate weight, markings, condition, authenticity, market demand, and other factors.

Q6. Should I polish tarnished Tenpo Chogin coins before appraisal?

No. Washing or polishing antique coins can alter their surface condition, affecting their value. Ideally, please submit them for appraisal in their original condition without polishing.

Q7. Can you appraise them based on photos alone?

Yes. We offer a free, simple appraisal based on photos. In addition to clear photos of both sides, providing photos of the sides and the actual weight, if possible, will allow us to conduct a more detailed assessment.

Q8. Can you purchase other Chogin coins and Mameitagin coins besides Tenpo Chogin?

Yes. We can also purchase other Edo period Japanese coins, including Chogin coins such as Bunsei Chogin, Genbun Chogin, and Ansei Chogin, as well as Mameitagin coins.