JAPAN

Coin

1 Mon

Bitasen

"Eirakutsūhō"

(?)

B249

🪙 Ishashi Eiraku-tsuho 🪙

　"Ishashi" (recasting) is a technique in which a genuine coin is used as the model to create a mold, from which identical copies are cast. In the case of Eiraku-tsuho (Yongle Tongbao), authentic Ming dynasty coins imported from China were used as the originals, and copies were recast in Japan by private mints and feudal domains.

　One of the distinguishing characteristics of recast Eiraku-tsuho coins is that they tend to become slightly smaller than the original coins, as the metal shrinks during each casting process. It is said that each generation of recasting reduces the coin's diameter by approximately 0.4 mm.

　In addition, as the recasting process is repeated over successive generations, the characters and the rim gradually lose their sharpness, resulting in softer and less distinct details.

🪙 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

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