© Heritage Auctions
© Heritage Auctions
½ Shu "Ryūkyūtsūhō" ND
1863 year| Copper | 27.4 g | 41 mm |
| Issuer | Kingdom of Ryukyu (Japan) |
|---|---|
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 1863 |
| Value | ½ Shu (1⁄32) |
| Currency | Ryō (1595-1874) |
| Composition | Copper |
| Weight | 27.4 g |
| Diameter | 41 mm |
| Thickness | 2.5 mm |
| Shape | Round with a square hole |
| Technique | Cast |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#51086 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 79% |
Reverse
Two vertical characters divided by hole represent denomination in seal script
Script: Chinese (traditional, seal script)
Lettering:
半
朱
Lettering (regular font):
半
朱
Translation:
Half
Shu
Edge
Plain
Comment
Made by Satsuma Domain, which also controlled Okinawa at that time. The value of the coin was intended tobe 1/32 Ryō. However, at the time the exchange rate was around 6700 Mon for 1 Ryō, resulting the value above 200 Mon. It is said that the coin was intended for the double vale of the coin.Half a shu was the equivelant of 125 mon, however the value quickly declined to half of that (62.5 mon).
Interesting fact
The ½ Shu "Ryūkyūtsūhō" coin from the Kingdom of Ryukyu (Japan) was minted during a time of great change in the region. The Ryukyu Kingdom was an independent kingdom that ruled the Ryukyu Islands, which are located between Japan and Taiwan, from the 15th to the 19th century. In the mid-19th century, the kingdom was forced to open up to trade with Japan and other countries, leading to significant cultural and economic changes. The minting of this coin, which features a unique blend of traditional Ryukyuan and Japanese design elements, reflects the cultural exchange and transformation that was taking place during this time period.
