Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Electronic Auction 512 23 Mar 2022
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JAPAN, Twelve Antique Coins. Empress Gemmei. 707-715. Æ Cash (24mm, 2.81 g, 12h). Old type. Cast 708-circa 720. Wa Do Kai Chin in Hanji / Blank. Hartill, Japanese 1.4; JNDA p. 121, 5. Brown patina, cleaning scratches, rough flan with ragged edge. Fine. Very rare.
From the Elmer H. Frantz Collection, purchased from Asaskusa, January 1957.
The Wado Kaichin were first cast in AD 708, following the discovery of extensive copper deposits in Musashi province. Originally made in both silver and bronze, records show that these cash were struck for a number of years at several different mints. In AD 720, Japanese officials brought in Chinese mint workers to improve their coinage, resulting in a higher quality production with well-defined rims.
Elmer H. Frantz was born on July 16, 1918 in Reading, Pennsylvania. Prior to graduating from Reading High School in 1936, Elmer enlisted in the U.S. Naval Communications Reserve. During WWII, he was stationed at an Alaskan Naval Air Base, where he participated in direct support to the U.S. sea and air force in Midway and other Pacific area operations. He would later be assigned to shore communications facilities in Alaska, Okinawa, Japan, and both coasts of the U.S., where he would rise from enlisted rank to Commissioned Warrant Officer and eventually to Senior Lieutenant (O-3). He also served as one of the original members of the NSA, as an Electronic Research Officer and Cryptologist.
An avid collector of Asian coins, Elmer built his collection while serving in the region from the 1940s through the 1960s. The collection is particularly strong in early Japanese cash and Meiji era coins. Elmer H. Frantz passed away at the age of 94 on November 23, 2012. CNG is honored to offer his collection and hope that the final buyers will enjoy the coins for years to come.
From the Elmer H. Frantz Collection, purchased from Asaskusa, January 1957.
The Wado Kaichin were first cast in AD 708, following the discovery of extensive copper deposits in Musashi province. Originally made in both silver and bronze, records show that these cash were struck for a number of years at several different mints. In AD 720, Japanese officials brought in Chinese mint workers to improve their coinage, resulting in a higher quality production with well-defined rims.
Elmer H. Frantz was born on July 16, 1918 in Reading, Pennsylvania. Prior to graduating from Reading High School in 1936, Elmer enlisted in the U.S. Naval Communications Reserve. During WWII, he was stationed at an Alaskan Naval Air Base, where he participated in direct support to the U.S. sea and air force in Midway and other Pacific area operations. He would later be assigned to shore communications facilities in Alaska, Okinawa, Japan, and both coasts of the U.S., where he would rise from enlisted rank to Commissioned Warrant Officer and eventually to Senior Lieutenant (O-3). He also served as one of the original members of the NSA, as an Electronic Research Officer and Cryptologist.
An avid collector of Asian coins, Elmer built his collection while serving in the region from the 1940s through the 1960s. The collection is particularly strong in early Japanese cash and Meiji era coins. Elmer H. Frantz passed away at the age of 94 on November 23, 2012. CNG is honored to offer his collection and hope that the final buyers will enjoy the coins for years to come.