JAPAN

Banknote

hansatsu

Iyonokuni

"Ozu Domain Note"

Silver 100 Momme

(1868)

FRONT

・伊豫大洲（Iyonokuni Ozu Domain）

・銀百目（Silver 100 Momme）

・諸産物代銀預（Redeemable for silver in exchange for various products = The value of this note is guaranteed by silver）

BACK

・Unable to identify the script (It may be written in an ancient Japanese script (Jindai-go) or in Hangul. If it is Jindai-go, it is read as "Ayanitahodoshi" and is said to mean "to attain a spiritually profound state.")

・修成館（Shuseikan, presumed to be the issuing authority）

・天雲乃向伏限谷蟆乃佐渡極朝廷爾仕奉止持斎行比待年（Until the day when all of Japan — from the farthest horizon where the heavenly clouds seem to lie upon the earth, to the remotest lands reached even by the crawling toads of the valleys — comes to serve the Imperial Court, let us conduct ourselves with humility and patiently await that time）

・This is a silver note (a domain-issued paper note denominated in silver) issued in Keio 4 (1868) by the Ozu Domain, located around present-day Ozu. Printed on thick, colored strip-shaped paper, the note features the denomination, the issuing domain, the note office, and the year of issue, along with auspicious images such as the Chinese zodiac, the Treasure Ship, Jurōjin (the god of longevity), the Dragon Gate, cranes, and turtles. Such auspicious imagery, together with classical Chinese texts and poems, was commonly seen on domain notes and is believed to have served as an anti-counterfeiting measure through the use of intricate engraving and literary expressions unfamiliar to ordinary people.

・The reverse side of this note features unfamiliar characters rarely seen even in Japan as an anti-counterfeiting measure. There are different theories regarding these characters: some believe they are Jindai-go (an ancient Japanese script), while others suggest that they are Hangul.

🏯 Ōzu Domain 🏯

Basic Information

• Location: Around present-day Ōzu 

• Former Province: Iyo Province 

• Domain Headquarters: Ōzu Castle 

• Estimated Kokudaka: Approximately 60,000 koku 

• Ruling Family: Primarily the Katō family 

• Classification during the Edo period: Tozama daimyo (outside feudal lord) 

________________________________________

Historical Overview

　From the Sengoku Period to the Early Edo Period

　During the Sengoku period, the Ōzu region was controlled by local clans such as the Utsunomiya family. Later, Tōdō Takatora developed the castle town and improved flood control systems, laying the foundation for the region.

　Around 1608, Katō Sadayasu entered the domain, and afterward the Katō family continued to rule Ōzu Domain.

________________________________________

Characteristics of Ōzu Domain

1. Economy Along the Hiji River

　Ōzu Domain developed mainly around the basin of the Hiji River.

　Major industries included:

• Rice production 

• Japanese paper manufacturing 

• Timber 

• Wood wax production 

　In particular, wood wax became an important export product during the late Edo period and helped support the domain’s finances.

________________________________________

2. Development of River Transportation

　River transport using the Hiji River flourished, carrying goods from inland areas to coastal ports.

　Ōzu became one of the major distribution centers in western Shikoku.

________________________________________

3. Education and Culture

　The domain operated educational institutions for samurai, with an emphasis on Confucian studies and classical learning.

　Even today, Ōzu is known for preserving much of its Edo-period townscape.

________________________________________

Ōzu Domain During the Bakumatsu Period

　Like many domains across Japan, Ōzu Domain became involved in the political tensions of the late Edo period.

　Major issues included:

• Strengthening coastal defenses 

• Introducing Western-style military systems 

• Financial reform 

　Ultimately, the domain sided with the imperial government during the Meiji Restoration and was abolished following the Haibutsu Chiken (abolition of domains and establishment of prefectures).

________________________________________

Ōzu Domain and Its Currency Notes

　Ōzu Domain also issued its own domain notes (hansatsu).

　Their characteristics included:

• Many silver-denominated notes 

• Intended mainly for local circulation 

• Issued multiple times due to financial difficulties 

　Among collectors of Japanese historical currency, Ōzu hansatsu are regarded as notable examples of Shikoku regional paper money.

________________________________________

Present-Day Ōzu

　Today, Ōzu is known for:

• Historic castle-town scenery 

• Garyū Sansō 

• Ōzu Castle 

• The Hiji River 

　In recent years, the city has also been introduced as the “Little Kyoto of Iyo.”

International shipping

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

 

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

 

Payment policy  

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

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

 

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

 

Please look at the pictures and grade for yourself

We have not cleaned or altered coins & banknotes