Watch List notes:

JAPAN. Oban (10 Ryo), ND (1860-62). Man'en Era. PCGS GENUINE Gold Shield.
Fr-7; KM-C-24a.2; JNDA-09-11. Type two with machine made crenellations and security edge. This ever popular type represents the last Oban produced in Japan; just a few years prior to the Meiji restoration in 1868 which in the larger scope of things brought about much needed political, social and economic reform ultimately bringing modernization and Westernization of the whole of Japan. This nicely preserved example offers much originality with clean surfaces and mostly intact ink; exhibiting minor flaking and rub primarily on the high points. Some of the crenellations and the protected areas within the official stamps display lovely sunset hues adding to its pleasing appearance and desirability. The reverse of this very attractive and wholesome survivor displays a hand inscribed dedication to Dr. C.G. van Mansvelt, a Dutch physician, who is credited for helping to bring western medicine to Japan in the late 1860s. This is the first example that we are aware of bearing an inscription; pieces of this magnitude have always been valuable, contemporaneously all the way to modern times. This historically significant example is not only important as a type, but also for the dedication on the reverse and is sure to excite many collectors, especially those looking for highly interesting numismatic treasures to complement their diverse collections.

The ten-line inscription on the reverse written in contemporary script is as follows:

"To Dr. Mansvelt/from his friends/Thomas. B. Glover/Alick J. Glover/Alfred B. Glover/as a mark of their esteem and/acknowledgement of his many/kind attentions/Nagasaki 20th February/1871"

Though this inscription, as dedicated from the Glover brothers of whom Thomas Blake Glover was an important historic and political figure in Japan at the time, accounts for the "Genuine" designation on the PCGS insert, the sheer nature and importance of what is written goes well beyond mere graffiti. Great care was taken to add this delicate dedication to the back of this large gold issue. Upon close inspection it appears that the ink was applied by a soft fine pointed brush, which in and of itself makes sense based on the geographic location in which it was given to Dr. C.G. van Mansvelt, as no distinguishable scratches are noticed in the ink. It is of special interest that this lovely dedicated Japanese artifact comes to Stacks Bowers Galleries from the direct descendants of Dr. C.G. van Mansvelt and has remained in his family being passed down to his heirs through the decades for the last three generations. Seldom do relics of historical significance retain important provenance data let alone a direct lineage from when, where and who it belonged to. Items of this nature, especially ones with clear provenance such as the present example, are highly coveted sure to catch the attention of many advanced collectors.

Estimate: $10000.00- $15000.00