Koban Medallion

The koban (小判) was an oval gold coin from the Edo period in feudal Japan, circulated by samurai and the elite. Its rarity is accentuated by the presence of the fan-shaped imperial Kiri crest, a symbol of its regal provenance.

First introduced in A.D. 1601 during the reign of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate, koban coins played a crucial role in stabilising Japan's monetary system and facilitating trade. These oval-shaped gold coins were more than mere currency; they were emblems of wealth, stability, and the flourishing culture of Japan during this pivotal era.

The Keichō era koban, one of the most renowned variants, contained approximately one ryō of gold, which determined its face value. However, as time progressed, subsequent mintings of the koban contained varying, often diminishing, amounts of gold. This divergence led to a distinction between the ryō as a unit of weight and the ryō as the face value of the koban.

The Man’en era, the period of this coin’s origin, was created to mark the destruction caused by a fire at Edo Castle and the assassination of Ii Naosuke, the Tairō of the shogunate. During this period, the first foreign mission to the United States occurred, this coin saw the expansion of international Japanese networks in a burgeoning new era of change.

• Coin Ø 35x20mm
• Pendant: 30x45mm
• Thickness: 2mm
• Chain length: 55cm
• Additional loop at 53cm

Free worldwide delivery is available on all orders over £1500 / €1800.

You may return or exchange all mainline products ordered within 14 days of receipt of the goods.

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Each ancient coin and artefact used in our jewellery has been restored and professionally stabilised to ensure it can be enjoyed for lifetimes. Patina, the natural toning and oxidation on silver, bronze, and copper coins, is not dirt; it is a protective layer formed over hundreds of years, adding to the coin’s unique history. Conservation efforts aim to stabilise and preserve these valuable patinas whenever possible. Silver naturally tones over time, developing a soft to deep grey with brighter highlights on raised surfaces. This toning is highly coveted, adding a touch of age and beauty to the coin’s details that only time can provide.

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