Japan Coin Blog

Japanese Ancient Coin No.4 ” Ryuhei Eihō 隆平永宝 “

The Ryūhei Eihō is the fourth copper coin in the “Twelve Imperial Coins,” Japan’s first series of coins, issued in 796 (the 15th year of the Enryaku era) by order of Emperor Kanmu. Minted against the backdrop of financial difficulties associated with the relocation of the capital to Heian-kyō, it was designated to be worth ten times as much as the old coins in circulation at the time, but in reality, it did not circulate smoothly.

Old Coins

The Relationship Between Mount Tsukuba and Mount Fuji, Passed Down Since Ancient Times. Ancient Japan.

The Hitachi no Kuni Fudoki is an ancient geographical treatise (a record of the region’s geography, products, and folklore) compiled by the provincial governor of Hitachi Province (most of present-day Ibaraki Prefecture) based on the “Imperial Edict on the Compilation of the Fudoki,” issued in 713 (the 6th year of the Wadō era) during the early Nara period.

Local Legends of JAPAN

Japanese Ancient Coin No.6 ” Jowa Shoho 承和昌宝 “

This ancient coin is a copper coin that was minted and issued starting in the second year of the Jōwa era (835) during the Heian period. It is considered the sixth coin to be issued among the “Twelve Imperial Coinages.” It is also regarded as Japan’s first currency to feature the era name at the top of the coin’s inscription.

Old Coins

The Origin of the Name “Mount Fuji”

There is no definitive theory regarding the origin of the name “Mount Fuji,” and several theories have been passed down.The most well-known theories include one that traces the name to the “elixir of immortality” featured in The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter—considered Japan’s oldest story—and another that describes it as “a mountain rich in warriors.”The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter is a Japanese story compiled during the early Heian period (late 9th century to early 10th century). Although the author is unknown, it is recognized as the oldest surviving Japanese narrative (fictional story).

Local Legends of JAPAN

The 60th year of the Emperor on the throne 500 Yen Cupro-nickel Coin

This coin was issued in Showa 61 (1986) to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Emperor Showa’s reign.The obverse features the “Shishinden” hall at the Kyoto Imperial Palace, while the reverse features the “Imperial Chrysanthemum Crest.”

Commemorative Coins

5 Sen Cupronickek Large Size

The large 5-sen white copper coin is a coin with a hole in the center that was issued in Japan from Taishō 6 (1917) through Taishō 9 (1920).

Modern Coins

National Park System Commemorative Coin No.12 Yoshino-Kumano National Park

This coin was issued to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the National Park System.The 11th coin in the series features Nachino-Otaki Falls, Odaigahara salamander, and Japanese mountain cherry.

Commemorative Coins

National Park System Commemorative Coin No.13 Daisen-Oki National Park

This coin was issued to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the National Park System.The 13th coin in the series features Mt. Daisen and Daisen Japanese yew.

Commemorative Coins

About ancient Japan

Currency in Ancient JapanFrom the late 7th century to the mid-10th century, currency in ancient Japa...

Local Legends of JAPAN

Magatama

Magatama are pieces of jewelry used in ancient Japan. They are also famous as one of the Three Sacred Treasures.Most are C-shaped and made of materials such as jade or stone. While their unique shape is said to represent a “fetus” or the “moon,” it is not clearly understood what they actually symbolize. The Magatama of the Three Sacred Treasures are legendary artifacts that even those involved in their preservation have never seen in person; however, since numerous examples have been excavated from archaeological sites dating back to the Jōmon and Kofun periods, it is believed they likely share a similar shape.

Local Legends of JAPAN