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Japan. Tokugawa Shogunate. Shin-Kanei Tsuho (new Kanei Tsuho). Takatsu-sen
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Hartill 4.197-200 var., esp. 4.200; Jones (2007) 270-2 var; KM C 1.8 var; Zeno # 253661
1 mon (cast copper alloy), cast from 1741 (Kanpo 1), at the Takatsu Osaka mint (Settsu Province); 2.70 g., 21.87 mm. max., 0°
Obv: 寛永通寶 Kanei tsuho
Rev: 元 Gen
Although there are fifteen varieties, of which ten circulated, Hartill only lists four and Jones three. This is the variety called 狭通背元 / 長寶 / 元前足長い Kyotsu Hai Gen / Choho / Gen Maeashi Nagai, which is described by Hartill as having a small claw on 寶 ho, with the left leg of 元 gen being almost straight. Curiously, the Japanese catalogs do not mention the small claw, but apparently describe the ho as long and the元 gen as narrow with a long forefoot.
The 元 gen character refers to the Gembun era, at the end of which (1740 = Genbun 5) the order to cast these cash was given. 200,000 strings a year were cast.
Hartill rarity C
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