Here is a very interesting segment of numismatics (coin collecting): Japanese mameita-gin, also known as bean money. There are no inscriptions on the coins, so coins are attributed by pattern only. Bean money has a long history, stretching from the late 1500s to the mid 1800s. Values, no surprise, go up as coins get older, but proper attribution and overall condition and eye appeal are paramount.
Mameita-gin are made of silver alloys, some with very low silver content. Percentage of silver ranges from below 15 percent to above 80 percent. Rarely do the coins look like 'standard' silver. They are usually dark. The valuable mameita-gin coins have recognizable patterns on both sides, but some bean-shaped mameita-gins have only minor markings.
Once you have identified the era and estimated the wear and eye appeal of your mameita-gin, you can use the information below to get an approximate idea of value.
EARLY ERAS
Keicho, Genroku, Hoei, Shotoku, Kyoho
worn: $200 US dollars approximate catalog value
average circulated: $400
well preserved: $800
LATE ERAS
Genbun, Bunsei, Tenpo, Ansei
worn: $100 US dollars approximate catalog value
average circulated: $250
well preserved: $500
ASK FOR OUR PRICES
We have some in stock priced much, much cheaper.
Posted in:
Antiques - by owner.
0 people are following this item.
Find out how close you are to this item!