Tempo Tsuho Coin Value Guide

The Tempo Tsuho is a distinctive oval-shaped bronze coin minted during the late Edo period to represent a value of 100 mon. It is a significant piece of Japanese numismatic history, representing the economic shifts and inflation challenges faced during the transition to the Meiji era.

What Is Tempo Tsuho Coin Worth?

The typical price range for Tempo Tsuho Coin is $100 - $110 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Condition of the bronze patina and the clarity of the cast kanji characters.
• The specific mint of origin, as some regional variations are rarer than the standard Edo mint issues.
• Presence of original casting marks or file marks on the edges which can indicate authenticity.
• Current market demand for Edo period currency, typically ranging from $100 to $110 for well-preserved specimens.

How to Identify Tempo Tsuho Coin?

• Look for the characteristic oval shape with a square 'peg' hole in the center.
• Verify the presence of the four kanji characters 'Ten-po-tsu-ho' on the obverse side.
• Check the reverse side for the signature of the mint official and the 'Tohyak' mark indicating the 100 mon value.
• Authentic examples are cast from bronze, though some later iron variations exist from regional mints.

History of Tempo Tsuho Coin

The Tempo Tsuho was a Japanese coin issued during the Tempo era. It was introduced in 1835 as a 100 mon coin, intended to circulate alongside smaller copper coins. Despite its face value, its actual metal content was often worth less, leading to inflation and economic instability. These coins were cast from bronze and iron, and their production continued into the Meiji era, even after the introduction of yen currency. The distinctive oval shape and central square hole are characteristic of traditional East Asian coinage.