The Ichibugin (一分銀) (aka: "bu" (分) for short) was a monetary unit of Japan towards the end of the Edo period. During their time in circulation each coin was worth 1⁄4 of a gold Ryō, and could also be exchanged four silver or gold shu coins. The medium of exchange was later expanded to allow 3 Ichibugin for a United States or Mexican Silver Dollar.[1] While no coins worth "3 bu" were ever produced by the shogunate, the corresponding coins were countermarked as such.[2]
History
Specifications
| Image | Minted | Mass | Material |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
1837 – 1854 | 2.3 Momme (8.62g) |
98.86% silver, 0.93% miscellaneous, 0.21% gold |
 |
1859 – 1868 | 2.3 Momme (8.62g) |
89.36% silver, 10.57% miscellaneous, 0.07% gold |
 |
1868 – 1869 | 2.3 Momme (8.62g) |
80.66% silver, 19.25% miscellaneous, 0.09% gold |
Circulation figures
| Denomination | Era Namesake[a] | Japanese dates[b] | Gregorian dates[b] | Mintage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 Bu |
天保八 – 安政元 |
1837 – 1854 |
78,916,556[3] | |
1 Bu |
安政六 – 明治元 |
1859 – 1868 |
11,398,600[4] | |
1 Bu |
万延元 – 慶応二 |
1860 – 1867 |
Unknown[c] | |
1 Bu |
明治元 – 明治二 |
1868 – 1869 |
4,267,332[6] |
See also
Notes
- Edo coinage is named after their era of origin regardless of how many eras their actual mintage spans.
- These years are for reference only as the given coins may not be dated
- These are similar to gold coins made during the Kyōhō era (1716–1736). They all feature no dating mark and weigh over 4 grams.[5]
References
- Michael Smitka (1998). The Japanese Economy in the Tokugawa Era, 1600–1868. Routledge. p. 242.
- "Japan 3 Bu KM# 101.2 (1825-58)". Numismatic Guaranty Company. Retrieved 14 January 2026.
- "Japan Bu C# 16 (1837-54)". Numismatic Guaranty Company. Retrieved 14 January 2026.
- "Japan Bu C# 16a (1859-68)". Numismatic Guaranty Company. Retrieved 14 January 2026.
- "Japan Bu C# 20c (1860-67)". Numismatic Guaranty Company. Retrieved 14 January 2026.
- "Japan Bu C# 16b (1868-69)". Numismatic Guaranty Company. Retrieved 14 January 2026.