JAPAN

Coin

1 Mon

Bitasen

"Genyutsūhō"

(?-?)

・【Bitasen (Debased Coins)】 

　Bitasen refers to a collective term for low-quality or debased coins that circulated in Japan from the late medieval period through the early Edo period.

Meaning and Etymology

　The word bita (鐚) means “inferior” or “poor quality.”

　Thus, bitasen describes coins that were inferior in metal content, weight, and reliability compared to officially issued currency.

Characteristics

• Low copper content, often mixed with lead or iron

• Lightweight and poorly cast

• Blurred or crude inscriptions

• Visually similar to official coins but with significantly lower value

Historical Background

• Shortage of copper in Japan during the late Muromachi period

• Widespread private minting (unauthorized coin casting)

• Poor imitations of imported Chinese coins, such as Yongle Tongbao

• Economic disruption caused by continuous warfare during the Sengoku period

Economic Impact

• Markets distinguished between good coins (seisen) and debased coins (bitasen)

• Exchange rates emerged (e.g., several bitasen equaling one standard coin)

• Trade inefficiency and inflation increased

• Bitasen symbolized a collapse of monetary trust

International shipping

We use the Japan post Service (Closed on Saturdays, Sundays)

 

Takes 25-45 days (Mail with tracking number & insurance)

Combined Shipping Always

Payment policy

Please make a payment within 3 days, otherwise automatically unpaid case will be opened

As always, the coin pictured is the coin you will receive

 

We do our best to describe the coin up for bid in our amateur opinion

 

Please look at the pictures and grade for yourself

We have not cleaned or altered coins & banknotes