Japan. Tokugawa Shogunate. Shin-Kanei Tsuho (new Kanei Tsuho). Genbun-sen/Taiji

Hartill 4.165-6 var., esp. 4.165 var; Jones (2007) 241-2 var.; KM C 1.1 var.; Zeno # 252546

1 mon (cast copper alloy), cast 1737-1739 (Genbun 2-4) at Kameido-mura Edo mint (Musashi Province); 2.84 g., 23.79 mm. max.

Obv: Kanei tsuho

Rev: Blank

This series is known as Genbun-sen after the nengo (era name) in which it was cast. There are three varieties, but Hartill and Jones show just two. The characteristics are a tiger tail 寛 kan, pointed 通 tsu radical and hooked feet on 寶 ho. This is the variety with larger characters and just the left foot hooked, called taiji. Apparently due to a casting flaw, the hook and left leg of 永 ei curve downward at the tips, and the left foot of ho also curves downward at the tip after first hooking upward.

Hartill rarity VC