Oban and Koban Coins
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Tensho Hishi (With lozenge-shaped mark) ObanGold coin, Azuchi-Momoyama period, dated 1588 (Gift of Mr. Okawa Isao)
Japanese Gallery (Honkan) Room 14
January 2, 2019 (Wed) - February 3, 2019 (Sun)Coins called oban and koban were used in Japan from the late 16th to the mid-19th century. They were forged with a combination of gold and silver in fixed shapes and sizes under the administration of Japan’s military government. Koban (small coins), were for daily use, while oban (large coins), which were of much greater value, were usually sent as gifts by the wealthy.