5 Monme "Meiwa Go-monme-gin"

Features

Issuer Japan
Empress Go-Sakuramachi (1762-1771)
Type Standard circulation coin
Years 1765-1768
Value 5 Monme
Currency Monme Silver / Monme-Gin / Ginme (1601-1874)
Composition Billon (.460 silver)
Weight 18.75 g
Size 45 × 22.5 mm
Thickness 2.9 mm
Shape Rectangular
Orientation Medal alignment ↑↑
Demonetized 1874
Number
N#
26996
References C# 10,
William D. Craig; 1976. Coins of the World, 1750-1850 (3rd edition). Western Publishing, Racine, Wisconsin, United States.
JNDA# 09-46,
Japan Numismatic Dealers Association (editor); 2023. 日本貨幣カタログ = The Catalog of Japanese Currency. Self-published, Tokyo, Japan.
KM# 9.70
Tracy L. Schmidt (editor); 2019. Standard Catalog of World Coins / 2001-Date (14th edition). Krause Publications, Stevens Point, Wisconsin, United States.
And 5 more volumes.

Obverse

Wavy symbol in-between a pair of solid and dotted lines on top.
Below on a raised field with value as opposed to uninscribed ingots.
The text 文字 BUNJI meaning that it has the same fineness as Genbun Chōgin.
Rim with wave pattern.

Script: Chinese

Lettering:




Translation:
Bun
Letter
Silver
Five
Monme

Reverse

Name of the hereditary official of the silver mint on raised field.
Rim with wave pattern.

Script: Chinese

Lettering:

Translation: Jōze

Edge

Stamped with the sakura cherry blossom symbol

Comments

The Go-monme-gin was the first coin issuing for the purpose to fixing exchange rate between gold and silver. By order of Tanuma Okitsugu, Kawai Hisagata designed the coin and released on 4th August 1765. It is the only coin that has denomination of Silver Monme.

 

In the early days of circulation, the exchange rate set by the government was silver 60 Monme equal to gold 1 Ryō. However, in the market, the exchange rate was silver 63 Monme equal to gold 1 Ryō. Also, the exchange shops were gainig profit by exchange fee, making the Go-monme-gin unpopular. Even without demonetization, the coin disappeared from circulation, the government started withdrawing the coins on 23 July 1768.

 

The 5 Monme silver of Tanuma and took its name from that of Tanuma who was Tonomo no Kami or Chief of the Palace Bureau, one of the highest officials in his day. He proclaimed that silver ornaments for personal use were a luxury, and should be confiscated for the purpose of making silver coin. (Munro)

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Date Mintage VG F VF XF AU UNC
ND (1765-1768)  361 280

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Numista Rarity index: 90 Search tips
This index is based on the data of Numista members collections. It ranges from 0 to 100, 0 meaning a very common coin or banknote and 100 meaning a rare coin or banknote among Numista members.

Bullion value: USD 6.77 Search tips
This value is given for information purpose only. It is based on a price of billon at 0 USD/kg. Numista does not buy or sell coins or metal.

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