Japan. Tokugawa Shogunate. Shin-Kanei Tsuho (new Kanei Tsuho). Ashio-sen

Hartill 4.201-2 var. esp 4.201; Jones (2007) 273-4 var. esp. 273; KM C 1.9 var; Zeno # 252366

1 mon (cast copper alloy), cast from 1741-1745 (Kanpo 1-5) at the Ashio-dozan copper mines in Asogori County (Shimotsuke Province); 2.68 g., 23.30 mm. max., 0°

Obv: 寛永通寶 Kanei tsuho

Rev: 足 Ashi

There are five varieties of Ashio-sen, but Hartill and Jones only list two. Hartill states that these coins are characterized by (in addition to the 足 ashi on the reverse) an 永 ei in approximately nisui style and a cursive tsu radical on the 通 ho, two varieties do not have the ei styled in nisui. Another characteristic of the series is the tiger-tail 寛 kan. This variety is called 大字背足 Taiji Hai Ashi (large character Ashi on reverse). It is a larger coin characterized by slightly larger rims, large characters, the ei is in approximately nisui style, and the left arm/leg component of ei leans to the right.

Hartill rarity VC