Japanese money trivia

In ancient Japan, coins such as the Wado Kaichin 和同開珎 were issued by the imperial court. However, these coins gradually fell out of use due to the circulation of counterfeit coins, the deterioration of coin quality due to re-melting, and a decline in trust. However, as the people began to understand the convenience of currency, coins imported from China were subsequently used in daily life. These coins imported from China are referred to as “imported coins.”

The 和同開珎 (Wado Kaichin/Wado Kaihou) was the first coin minted among the 12 types of copper coins known as the “Kocho Jyunisen” (皇朝十二銭) issued in ancient Japan.It was once considered the oldest coin in Japan. Currently, the oldest currency in Japan is believed to be the “Fuhon Sen(富本銭)” or “Mumon Ginsen(無文銀銭).”It was modeled after the “ Kaiyuan Tongbao(開元通宝)” issued in the Tang Dynasty of China.