Tenpo Koban Gold (1837–1858)
Official Edo Shogunate Gold Coins - Evaluation by Mark and Purchase Page

About Purchasing These Silver Coins (GoldSilverJapan)

At GoldSilverJapan, we carefully appraise and purchase each Tenpo Koban Gold (Tenpo 8–Ansei 5/1837–1858), issued during the late Edo period, based on a comprehensive assessment of its condition, mark combination, market value, and historical background.

Tenpo Koban Gold is more than just a gold coin; it is an extremely important historical document that embodies the Edo Shogunate's fiscal policies, economic ideas, and measures to restore trust.

The purchase price listed on this page is a guideline calculated based on past public auction results, trading history in specialized markets, and GoldSilverJapan's proprietary market database, "Coinpedia."

The final purchase price will be determined after we inspect the coin.

Regarding Purchase Valuation by Condition and Mark

Tenpo koban gold coins are gold coins whose value varies greatly not only depending on their condition but also on the combination of markings stamped on their reverses.

We place particular emphasis on the following points when assessing them:

- Condition of wear on the front and reverse sides
- Clarity of the markings, presence of chips, or crushing
- Marking combination (lucky mark/seven lucky mark)
- Presence of repair, cleaning, or processing
- Metal condition (cracks, bends, missing parts)

All coins with scratches, discoloration, wear, or cleaning marks are subject to appraisal.

Appraisal Trends by Marking (Reference)

Tenpo koban gold coins with auspicious marking combinations tend to be valued higher than average coins, even if they are in similar condition.

Examples of combinations known to be particularly highly valued include the following:

・Daikichi (presented Daikichi koban)
・Kokichi
・Umagami
・Hisakichi
・Sakaicho
・Hisanaga
・Guardian God

These coins are collectively known as the "Seven Lucky Gods," and as lucky charms associated with the Seven Lucky Gods, they have remained highly popular since the Edo period.

We also purchase Tenpo koban gold coins, which commonly feature a combination of hallmarks, at a fair price based on market value.

About Market Data (Coinpedia)

The price guidelines listed on this page are based on Coinpedia, a coin market database operated independently by GoldSilverJapan.

Coinpedia accumulates data such as the following over the long term, based on domestic and international public auctions, specialized transactions, and market prices:

・Auction Price Range
・Transaction Frequency
・Evaluation Differences by Hallmark
・Price Trends by Condition

We provide a comprehensive analysis of this information to provide a purchase guide based on current market trends.

*The prices on this page do not guarantee a specific purchase price.

Historical Background of the Tenpo Koban

Tenpo koban are gold coins issued during the Tenpo Reforms, a period when the Edo Shogunate faced severe financial difficulties and a lack of confidence in currency.

At the time, the Shogunate faced multiple economic problems, including chronic budget deficits, rising prices, and a declining currency value.

The Bunsei koban coins that had been in circulation prior to this time weighed approximately 13.07g, but their gold content had been reduced to 559g gold and 441g silver. As a result, they were losing credibility in the market as "thin koban."

The decline in confidence in currency led to stagnation in circulation, further worsening the overall economy.

As a result, the Shogunate, led by Senior Councilor Mizuno Tadakuni, attempted to restructure the monetary system.

Small and Pretentious—The Design Concept of the Tenpo Koban

The greatest feature of the Tenpo koban is its slightly increased purity while reducing its size.

The specifications of the Tenpo koban are as follows:

It weighs approximately 11.20g.

Its purity is 568g gold and 432g silver.

At first glance, it appears to be a higher quality gold coin than the Bunsei koban.

However, when you calculate the actual pure gold content, its true nature becomes clear.
The Bunsei koban contained
approximately 13.07g x 55.9% = 7.31g of gold.

The Tenpo koban, on the other hand, contained
approximately 11.20g x 56.8% = 6.36g.

In other words, although the purity increased, the pure gold content per coin was reduced by approximately 0.95g.

This was a policy by the shogunate to essentially save gold by reducing the size under the pretext of "improving purity."

It can be said that the Tenpo koban gold coin was a currency born from the struggle between politics and economics.

Surface Design and Significance of the Mark

The surface of the Tenpo kobankin features a unique "gozame" (mat) pattern struck with a chisel, and a fan-shaped paulownia crest is carved at the top and bottom.

Nearby are the characters "ichiryo" (one and two), indicating the face value, and the signature of "Mitsutsugu," the person responsible for its production.

These are all important identifying features that indicate that the coin is a genuine gold coin officially recognized by the shogunate.

The Mark and "Hoji Koban" on the Reverse

A signature is also engraved in the center of the reverse, and a "kenkokuin" (a mark stamp) is struck in the lower left, indicating the koban craftsman and the place of production.

The most distinctive feature of Tenpo kobankin is the mark stamp of the character "ho" (protection) for "Tenpo" struck in the upper right.

For this reason, Tenpo kobankin are also known as "hoji koban" (protection koban).

If this period seal can be found, there is no doubt that it is a Tenpo koban.

The Presence of Lucky Seals and Seven Lucky Koban

The combination of the "Enkoku Seal" on the bottom left of the reverse side greatly influences the value of a Tenpo koban.

This seal indicates which koban craftsman and which blowing workshop produced it.

However, this combination of characters could sometimes form, either by chance or intentionally, a highly auspicious word.

One of the most famous is the combination "Daikichi," where the koban craftsman's seal is "大" (large) and the blowing workshop's seal is "吉" (good luck).

This "Daikichi" is said to have been intentionally produced by the shogunate as a tribute, and is known as the "Presentation Daikichi Koban."

Since only a limited number were produced as tribute items, few remain, and they are still highly valued today.

Additionally, there are also combinations of lucky seals, such as Kokichi (small luck), Umagami (horse god), Hisakichi (history), Sakaicho (sacred sage), Hisanaga (sacred sage), and Shujin (guardian deity). These are collectively known as the Shichifuku Koban (seven lucky coins), and have enjoyed great popularity from the Edo period to the present day.

Basic Specifications

Country of Issue: Japan
Year of Issue: Tenpo 8-Ansei 5 (1837-1858)
Face Value: One Ryo
Material: Gold and Silver Alloy (Purity: 568g Gold/432g Silver)
Weight: Approximately 11.20g
Shape: Oval
Period Seal: "Ho" (protected) seal on the back

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Purchasing

Can I purchase coins that have been cleaned?
→ Yes. No problem.

Can I still appraise coins with faint seals?
→ Yes. We will appraise them after taking their condition into consideration.

Do I need a certificate of appraisal?
→ No. Unappraised coins are also accepted.

Can I purchase by mail?
→ Yes.

Can I have an appraisal based on just a photo?
→ A simple appraisal is possible. The final price will be determined after an inspection of the item.

For those interested in purchasing:

At GoldSilverJapan,
we carefully appraise Tenpo koban gold coins, not just based on their "gold weight," but also based on their historical value, cultural significance, and market valuation.

We offer free, simplified appraisals based on photos and mail orders.

We also accept consultations.

Bring your historic piece to a place where it can be properly appraised.

GoldSilverJapan Tenpo koban gold coin purchase page