![[PCGS Certified AU58] Tenpo Koban Gold (1837-1858) | A Historical Gold Coin Symbolizing the Financial Policy of the Late Edo Period](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/46bf38_b4ac248e1d1c4501b42c8116ff95149f~mv2.jpeg/v1/fill/w_2457,h_4639,al_c,q_90,enc_avif,quality_auto/46bf38_b4ac248e1d1c4501b42c8116ff95149f~mv2.jpeg)
[PCGS Certified AU58] Tenpo Koban Gold (1837-1858) | A Historical Gold Coin Symbolizing the Financial Policy of the Late Edo Period
overview
This product is a "Tenpo Koban" (Tenpo Gold) coin minted by the Edo Shogunate from 1837 (Tenpo 8) to 1858 (Ansei 5). It has been certified by PCGS as being in extremely high condition at AU58 (About Uncirculated), and is known as one of the most iconic gold coins in the history of Japanese currency.
This Tenpo koban coin is a masterpiece with historical and cultural value that goes beyond its role as a simple currency, as it symbolizes the shogunate's economic difficulties and its intention to rebuild its finances, as well as the reform of the monetary system.
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Product specifications
• Name: Tempo Koban
• Year of publication: 1837-1858 (Tenpo 8-Ansei 5)
• Historical background: Edo Shogunate and the Tenpo Reforms
• Appraisal company: PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service)
• Appraisal grade: AU58 (About Uncirculated)
• Weight: 11.21 grams
• Purity: 56.8% gold (568 gold/432 silver)
• Material: Gold and silver alloy
• Shape: Oval (oval)
• Classification number: JNDA 09-21, C#22b Tempo
• Issued by: Edo Shogunate (Japan)
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Historical background and manufacturing intent
The Origin and Purpose of Tenpo Koban
The Tenpo koban gold coin was an official gold coin issued by the Edo Shogunate as part of the Tenpo Reforms. At the time, the Shogunate was facing serious financial difficulties and a lack of trust in currency. The purity of the Bunsei koban gold coins had declined, and they were considered "thin gold coins" and lost credibility in the market, which was one of the factors that accelerated the economic stagnation.
Under the leadership of the senior councilor Mizuno Tadakuni, the Tenpo koban coins were created to rebuild the monetary system, with the complex objectives of restoring trust in the quality of the coins while also achieving fiscal reconstruction.
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"Clever design" that makes things smaller and looks better
The most distinctive feature of the Tenpo koban is its design.
• Weight: Approx. 11.20g
• Gold content: 56.8% gold
Looking at these figures alone, it seems that the purity was slightly higher than the previous Bunsei koban (13.07g, 55.9% gold). However, when calculating the actual pure gold content, the Bunsei koban contained approximately 7.31g of gold, while the Tenpo koban only contained 6.36g. This means that the pure gold content had been reduced by approximately 0.95g.
In other words, the shogunate intended to reduce size and weight in the name of "improving quality," and in effect save money.
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Design and stamp on the front and back
Surface design features
The following designs are applied to the surface of Tenpo koban gold coins.
• A "mat" pattern applied all over the surface: This pattern serves both as a non-slip surface and as decoration, and also serves to prevent counterfeiting.
• The paulownia crest placed above and below: This is the symbol of the shogunate and indicates that it is an official gold coin.
• The character "ichiryo" (one coin) in the center: face value
• The signature of Mitsutsugu, the production manager: This was also proof of quality.
The seal on the back and the "Hoji koban"
On the back, there is more important information engraved.
• The seal stamped on the bottom left indicates the koban maker and foundry involved in the production.
• The character "保" engraved in the upper right corner: This character makes it clear that this is a gold coin issued during the Tenpo period.
For this reason, Tenpo koban coins are also called "hoji koban" and are highly valued by collectors for their ease of identifying the era.
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The tradition of the Seven Lucky Koban coins:
Popularity due to lucky seals such as "Daikichi"
There are many variations of the "Kokuin" (pronounced "kenkokuin") on the bottom left of the reverse side. Particularly auspicious combinations are highly valued in the collector's market.
• Daikichi (presented Daikichi oval coin)
• Kokichi
• Horse God
• Hisayoshi
• Sakaicho
• Hisanaga
• Guardian deity
These coins are called "Seven Lucky Koban" and are still highly sought after today, tending to fetch high prices even when in the same condition.
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The rarity and investment value of PCGS AU58
This Tenpo koban gold coin has been graded AU58 by PCGS, the world's leading grading agency, which means it is in "like new" condition and shows minimal wear.
Just having a PCGS slab case significantly increases its authenticity and asset value, and there are many examples where it is traded at a premium price in the auction market.
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Why Tenpo koban now?
• Extremely high historical value
• A photo that condenses the economic policies of the Edo Shogunate
• It has the dual nature of "gold as an asset" and "coins as cultural assets."
• PCGS certified authenticity
Today, Japanese gold coins, which combine rarity, artistic value, and historical significance, are attracting great interest from investors and collectors both in Japan and overseas.
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Regarding GoldSilverJapan
At GoldSilverJapan, we evaluate and sell Tenpo koban gold coins not simply based on their weight, but also on their historical and cultural background. We provide reliable collector's items by providing accurate appraisals based on the combination of each mark, condition, and appraisal grade.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. Can I buy it without an appraisal certificate?
→ This item has already been certified by PCGS, so no additional certification is required.
Q. Are items with discoloration or wear still valuable?
→ Yes, especially if it has an auspicious seal such as "Daikichi" (great luck), it is highly valued in the market.
Q. Are Tenpo koban coins popular overseas?
→ Yes. As a historical coin, it is highly sought after by Western collectors.
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Finally: The joy of owning a piece of history
This PCGS AU58 Tenpo Koban gold coin is more than just an antique. It is a living historical document that conveys to us the final struggles of the Edo Shogunate, the evolution of the monetary system, and a glimpse of Japanese economic thought.
Please consider adding this valuable piece to your collection or as an investment for the future.
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At GoldSilverJapan, our mission is to introduce Tenpo koban gold coins in their historical context and share their value as cultural assets. If you are interested, please feel free to contact us.
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