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.

Twelve coinages minted in Japan during the Nara and Heian periods “Twelve Imperial Coinages “
The Twelve Coins of the Imperial Dynasty are twelve types of coins issued in ancient times. Beginning with the Wadō Kaichin, they were issued in a continuous series; however, the quality of the coins deteriorated over time. Against a backdrop of domestic copper shortages and national financial difficulties, these coins are characterized by a reduction in size compared to earlier coins, as well as a rapid deterioration in copper quality and minting standards.

⇒Japanese Old Coin Page