Chikuzen Ichibu Kin
(筑前一分金)
(Ginza Coins Collection, Tokyo. Reproduction authorized. © All rights reserved.)
The Chikuzen Ichibu Kin is a provincial gold coin issued in 1862 in the province of Chikuzen (modern-day Fukuoka), during the final years of the Edo period. Although it lay outside the official monetary system, its rarity and historical context render it a subject of considerable numismatic interest. The obverse features the crest of the Kuroda clan, known as Fuji Domoe (藤巴), alongside the denomination “Ichi Bu” (壹分); the reverse bears the inscription “Chikuzen” (筑前) and an authenticating kaō seal. Weighing between 1.5 and 1.9 grams and containing approximately 20% gold, the coin was likely minted at Fukuoka Castle, utilizing local gold resources. Its issuance, at a time of transition preceding the Meiji Restoration, reflects the Kuroda clan’s effort to reinforce its economic position amidst increasing political instability.
| Coin Name | Chikuzen Ichibu Kin |
| Japanese Inscription | 筑前一分金 |
| Historical Period | Late Edo period |
| Year of Minting | 1862 d.C. |
| Chronological Reference | Province of Chikuzen (present-day Fukuoka, Kyūshū) |
| Minting Location | Likely Fukuoka Castle |
| Issuing Authority | Clan Kuroda (Daimyō Kuroda Nagatomo) |
| Function | Fiduciary and symbolic use; limited local circulation |
| Material | Gold (approximately 20% gold content) |
| Shape | Oval |
| Altezza | 1.84 cm |
| Larghezza | 1.26 cm |
| Weight | Tra 1.5 e 1.9 g |
| Manufacturing Technique | Manual casting and stamping |
| Obverse Text and Symbols | Emblem Fuji Domoe (藤巴) and inscription “壹分” (Ichi Bu) |
| Reverse Text and Symbols | Inscription “筑前” (Chikuzen) and kaō seal |
| Calligrapher / Artist: | Unknown (likely an engraver affiliated with the Kuroda clan) |
| Museum References | |
| Number of Known Specimens | Rare; limited production |
References and Bibliography
L’oro dei Tokugawa, Alberto Rolfini, 2025
瀧澤武雄, 貨幣 Takizawa Takeo, Kahei Nipponshi sho Hyakka 1999
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