Coin collecting in Japan seems to be stagnant, perhaps because the country has lost interest in collecting coins. Perhaps it is the lack of interest in the hobby that is keeping the price of some coins so low. However, there are some coins that are selling for more overseas than in Japan. One example is the 1945 porcelain 1 sen, which can fetch hundreds of thousands of yen. Despite this, you can still get some good finds for relatively low prices.
Obans are one of the most valuable types of Japanese coins. They are extremely rare and are considered a national treasure. In fact, a single Oban could be worth over $2 million. These coins were the most important form of money in Japan during the feudal period, representing the unit of gold, known as the “Ryo”. There were also silver and bronze currencies, which were circulated alongside the gold Oban. Coins of the realm helped a sovereign entity establish its identity.
Before the invention of coins, Japanese people used paper money. It was highly valuable and used for payments. This currency was called “Dai Nihon Kwahei Seidzu” and was issued by the government in the Tensho period. It resembled a matting of reeds. Emperor Go Yo Zei even used this type of money. These coins weighed between four and five grammes and were wrapped in cotton wool or silk.