Stack's Bowers & Ponterio
September 2021 Hong Kong Auction 27 Sep - 1 Oct 2021
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JAPAN. Trade Dollar (3 Bu or San Bu), ND (1859). Ansei Era. NGC AU-55.
KM-101.2 (plate coin); JNDA-09-57(44A); J&V-J101 (plate coin); Dav-272 (plate coin). Issued between late 1859 until 12 May 1860. Large characters variety. Four Japanese characters "Aratame San Bu Sada" (determined to be 3 Bu worth of silver) individually applied between the rays from 11 to 2 o'clock on the obverse of an 1858-Go PF Mexican Republic 8 Reales from the Guanajuato Mint. We have about 60 examples documented for all mints, with about 15 of them being from the Guanajuato Mint. Often misunderstood by collectors, these RARE issues are of far greater significance and importance to Japanese and American numismatics and history than a mere foreign coin that circulated in Asia. Only issued for a brief period, they are physical remainders of the beginning of an international trade relationship between these two countries. The countermarks are boldly applied with clear definition of the fine details on a nicely preserved host coin. This lovely example displays rich old envelope patina with plenty of underlying luster in the protected areas.
KM-101.2 (plate coin); JNDA-09-57(44A); J&V-J101 (plate coin); Dav-272 (plate coin). Issued between late 1859 until 12 May 1860. Large characters variety. Four Japanese characters "Aratame San Bu Sada" (determined to be 3 Bu worth of silver) individually applied between the rays from 11 to 2 o'clock on the obverse of an 1858-Go PF Mexican Republic 8 Reales from the Guanajuato Mint. We have about 60 examples documented for all mints, with about 15 of them being from the Guanajuato Mint. Often misunderstood by collectors, these RARE issues are of far greater significance and importance to Japanese and American numismatics and history than a mere foreign coin that circulated in Asia. Only issued for a brief period, they are physical remainders of the beginning of an international trade relationship between these two countries. The countermarks are boldly applied with clear definition of the fine details on a nicely preserved host coin. This lovely example displays rich old envelope patina with plenty of underlying luster in the protected areas.
Mexican "Dollars" were exchangeable for 3 Bu of silver, which was in accordance with Article V of the Treaty of Amity and Commerce, signed March 31, 1858 and enacted July 1859 as set forth by the Consul-General Townsend Harris. It wasn't until Yokohama opened up for trade in 1859 that silver coins were countermarked.
Ex: Dr. Norman Jacobs Collection
Estimate: $20000 - $25000