3 Bu "Aratame San-Bu Sadagin" Countermarked 8 Reales

Features

Issuer	Japan
Emperor	Kōmei (1846-1867)
Type	Standard circulation coins
Year	1860
Value	3 Bu (¾)
Currency	Ryō (1595-1874)
Composition	Silver (.903)
Weight	26.8 g
Shape	Round
Technique	Milled, Countermarked
Issued	1860
Demonetized	Yes
Number	N# 27223
References	KM# 101.1-101.4 Standard Catalog of World Coins (86 volumes). , JNDA# 09-57 Japan Numismatic Dealers Association (publisher). 日本貨幣カタログ. Japan Numismatic Dealers Association, Tokyo, Japan (37 volumes). , DHJ# 9.89 David Hartill; 2011. Early Japanese Coins. Self-published, Gamlingay, United Kingdom. , JC# 04-12 Ujisato Hanyu (ed.), Clark Smith (ed.), Koryu Katagiri (ed.); 2021. The Standard Catalog of Japanese Coins. Zeus Coin Gallery, Tokyo, Japan.

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Obverse

Counterstamp with four letters inscription at the top. Host coin showing liberty cap, with rays indicating a passionate expression of freedom.

Scripts: Chinese (traditional, regular script), Chinese (traditional, running script), Latin

Lettering: 定分三改

Translation: Change for 3 Bu Guaranteed.

Reverse

Host coin showing Mexican Eagle destroying a snake on a cactus on wreath.

Script: Latin

Lettering: REPUBLICA MEXICANA

Translation: Mexican Republic.

Mint

Go	Casa de Moneda de Guanajuato, Mexico (1810-1905)

Comments

After the withdrawl of the unsuccessful Ansei Nishu-gin, trade was continued with an exchange rate of one silver dollar to three Ichibu-gin coins. Since a Mr. Townsend Harris, the first United States Consul General to Japan, wanted to promote trade, he put two proposals to the Shogunate. He suggested that they issue an Ichibu-gin coin by reminting Western coins, which resulted in the Ansei Ichibu-gin. He also suggested that they place a Japanese stamp of value on Mexican silver dollars and make them legal tender in Japan. This proposal was also accepted, resulting in this coin.

Production started on 21 January 1860, but it was unpopular among people, as exchange shop refuse to accept the face value, only accept at 2 Bu 2 Shu, and production stopped about half year later.

The date on host coin are confirmed not exceeding 1859.

Examples struck on the various host coins:

KM#101.2 on Guanajuato mint host coin:

KM#101.3 on Mexico City mint host coin:

KM#101.4. on Zacatecas mint host coin:

KM Unlisted, on Durango mint host coin:

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Date	References
Undetermined
ND (1860)		Host coin Durango mint, KM#377.4
ND (1860)	KM# 101.1 Standard Catalog of World Coins (86 volumes).	Host coin Culiacan mint, KM#377.3
ND (1860)	KM# 101.2 Standard Catalog of World Coins (86 volumes).	Host coin Guanajuato mint, KM#377.8
ND (1860)	KM# 101.3 Standard Catalog of World Coins (86 volumes).	Host coin Mexico City mint, KM#377.10
ND (1860)	KM# 101.4 Standard Catalog of World Coins (86 volumes).	Host coin Zacatecas mint, KM#377.13

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Numista Rarity index: 90 Search tips

This index is based on the data of Numista members collections. It ranges from 0 to 100, 0 meaning a very common coin or banknote and 100 meaning a rare coin or banknote among Numista members.

Bullion value: USD 53.22 Search tips

This value is given for information purpose only. It is based on a price of silver at 2199 USD/kg. Numista does not buy or sell coins or metal.

Actual silver weight: 0.778 oz

Current silver price: 68.40 USD/oz (see silver price

)

Past sales

Pictures	Sale	Date	Version	Grade	Sold price
	Stacks Bowers January 2020 NYINC Auction Lot 21048	17 Jan 2020	ND (1860) – Host coin Durango mint, KM#377.4	AU (PCGS AU55)	USD 14 000.00 (+ buyer's premium)
© Stacks Bowers
	Stacks Bowers October 2023 Hong Kong Auction Lot 34072	12 Oct 2023	ND (1860) – KM# 101.4 – Host coin Zacatecas mint, KM#377.13	UNC (PCGS MS62)	USD 15 000.00 (+ buyer's premium)
© Stacks Bowers