Kanei Tsuho (1 Mon) | Authentic Japanese Antique Coin

Description

Unlike high-denomination coins such as the Tenpo Tsuho, Kanei Tsuho was the coin that supported everyday life in Edo Japan.

Before its introduction, Japan’s circulation relied on a mixture of foreign Chinese coins and locally produced private tokens, resulting in a confusing monetary system. In 1636, the Tokugawa shogunate introduced Kanei Tsuho to establish a unified copper currency throughout the country.

The coin remained in circulation for more than 240 years, making it the longest-used copper coin of the Edo period. It became the standard currency for ordinary people, used daily in markets, shops, and towns across Japan.

Its simple round shape with a square center hole reflects the traditional East Asian philosophy of “round heaven and square earth,” a design that remained virtually unchanged for centuries.

Today, Kanei Tsuho is regarded as one of the most iconic coins of Japanese history and remains an essential piece for collectors interested in the Edo period.

Every coin we offer is carefully sourced from the Japanese antique coin market and professionally inspected for authenticity before being offered for sale.