5 Monme "Meiwa Go-monme-gin" ND
| Billon (.460 silver) | 18.75 g | - |
| 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 |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#26996 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 91% |
Reverse
Name of the hereditary official of the silver mint on raised field.
Rim with wave pattern.
Script: Chinese
Lettering:
常
是
Translation: Jōze
Edge
Stamped with the sakura cherry blossom symbol
Comment
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)
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Meiwa Go-monme-gin coin is that it was issued during a time of economic reform in Japan, known as the "Meiwa period," which aimed to stabilize the country's economy and promote trade. The coin's design, featuring a stylized chrysanthemum, was meant to symbolize longevity and prosperity, reflecting the government's goals for the country's future.
Price
| Date | Mintage | VG | F | VF | XF | AU | UNC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ND (1765-1768) | 361280 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Values in the table are based on evaluations by sales realized on Internet platforms. They serve as an indication only for 5 Monme "Meiwa Go-monme-gin" ND (1765-1768) coin.
