Tenshō Ōban Kin
(天正大判金)
(Ginza Coins Collection, Tokyo. Reproduction authorized. © All rights reserved.)
The introduction of large gold coins under Toyotomi Hideyoshi in the late 16th century marked a turning point in Japan’s monetary history. Among these, the Tenshō Ōban, minted by the renowned artisan Gotō Yutoku, stands out for its impressive dimensions (approximately 17 cm) and weight of 165 grams, with a gold purity ranging from 70% to 76%. More than a mere medium of exchange, the Ōban served as a symbol of authority and a tool of political legitimacy, often bestowed upon daimyō to reinforce their loyalty to central power. One of the most notable instances was the distribution of 6,000 pieces during the Taikō no Kinburi ceremony in 1589.
| Coin Name | Tenshō Ōban Kin |
| Japanese Inscription | 天正大判金 |
| Historical Period | Tenshō Period (1573–1592 d.C.) |
| Year of Minting | 1591–1609 d.C. |
| Chronological Reference | Central Japan, Toyotomi period |
| Minting Location | Kyoto |
| Issuing Authority | Toyotomi Hideyoshi |
| Function | Ceremonial coin and symbol of prestige |
| Material | Gold (73.0 %) Other (27.0 %) |
| Shape | Oval |
| Height | 14.4 cm |
| Width | 10.3 cm |
| Weight | 165 g |
| Manufacturing Technique | Manual casting and hammering |
| Obverse Text and Symbols | Gosan Kiri seal inscribed in a circle Inscription Jū Ryō 壹両 (10 Ryō using Daiji-style numerals) Mint official's signature: Ōbanza Gotō Gotō Tokujō (後藤徳乗) |
| Reverse Text and Symbols | Gosan Kiri seal inscribed within a circle Kaō seal in butterfly style |
| Calligrapher / Artist: | Gotō Tokujō |
| Museum References | Currency Museum Bank of Japan ⅡAカマb 3-1/9 |
| Number of Known Specimens | Extremely rare; only a few specimens preserved |
Sources and Bibliography
The Gold of Tokugawa, Alberto Rolfini 2025
瀧澤武雄, 貨幣 Takizawa Takeo, Kahei Nipponshi sho Hyakka 1999
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