JAPAN
Exonumia
Denzuin Temple
"Koishikawa Daikokuten E-sen"
Charm Coin
(Pre-2000)
BACK
・傳通院（Denzuin Temple）
・山内（Sannai, Temple Precincts）
・小石川大黒天（Koishikawa Daikokuten, Koishikawa God of Wealth）
🌻 Denzuin Temple (傳通院) 🌻
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Denzuin Temple is a historic Buddhist temple of the Jodo school, located in Koishikawa, Bunkyo, Tokyo, Japan. It was founded in 1415 and was originally known as Jukyoji Temple.
The temple is closely associated with Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate, as it became the burial place of his mother, Odai-no-Kata, in 1602. The name Denzuin derives from her Buddhist posthumous name.
During the Edo period, Denzuin was an important center for Buddhist education and was one of the leading training institutions of the Jodo school in the Kanto region.
The temple grounds also contain the graves of Senhime, the granddaughter of Tokugawa Ieyasu and wife of Toyotomi Hideyori, as well as other women associated with the Tokugawa family.
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🌻 Japanese E-sen (Charm Coins) 🌻
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🌻 What Are Japanese E-sen?
E-sen (絵銭), literally meaning "picture coins," are coin-shaped objects that were produced mainly during Japan's Edo period (1603–1868). Although they resemble genuine coins such as Kan'ei Tsuho, most were not intended for use as currency. Instead, they were made as lucky charms, religious offerings, commemorative pieces, or decorative objects.
Today, E-sen are highly appreciated by collectors for their artistic designs, historical significance, and cultural value.
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🌻 Characteristics
Unlike official coins, E-sen often feature elaborate designs and symbolic imagery. Common characteristics include:
• Dragons, phoenixes, cranes, turtles, and other auspicious animals
• Buddhist and Shinto religious motifs
• The Twelve Zodiac animals
• Historical figures and scenes from Japanese folklore
• Various center-hole shapes, including square, round, and floral forms
• Made from bronze, brass, iron, lead, and other metals
Because they were produced by many different craftsmen and local workshops, countless design variations exist.
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🌻 Main Types of E-sen
1. Lucky Charm E-sen
The most common type, these pieces were created to bring good fortune, prosperity, happiness, and protection.
Popular designs include:
• Dragons
• Phoenixes
• The Seven Lucky Gods
• Treasure Ships
• The Lucky Mallet
• Cranes and Turtles
2. Temple and Shrine E-sen
These E-sen were distributed by Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines as commemorative or protective charms. They served as souvenirs of pilgrimage and symbols of religious devotion.
3. Zodiac E-sen
Featuring the twelve animals of the Japanese zodiac, these charms were believed to bring good luck and protection. They remain one of the most popular categories among collectors today.
4. Daikoku and Ebisu E-sen
These pieces depict Daikoku, the god of wealth, and Ebisu, the god of commerce and fishermen. They were especially popular among merchants as symbols of business success and prosperity.
5. Horse E-sen
Horse-themed E-sen were associated with safe travel, military success, and strength. Numerous regional varieties exist.
6. Puzzle (Rebus) E-sen
These fascinating pieces combine pictures and wordplay to create visual riddles. Some of their meanings remain unsolved even today, making them especially intriguing to collectors.
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🌻 Why Were E-sen Made?
During the Edo period, coins became an essential part of everyday life. As a result, people began creating coin-shaped objects for purposes other than commerce, including:
• Good-luck charms
• Religious offerings
• Souvenirs
• Children's toys
• Commemorative gifts
In many ways, they can be compared to modern commemorative medals or lucky tokens.
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🌻 E-sen Continue to Be Made Today
Although most E-sen were produced during the Edo period, the tradition has continued into the present day. Japanese temples, shrines, and private mints still produce E-sen as commemorative pieces, lucky charms, and souvenirs for visitors.
Modern E-sen are often issued to commemorate temple anniversaries, local festivals, historical events, and other cultural occasions. While they are not intended to circulate as money, they preserve the artistic spirit and symbolism of traditional E-sen.
As a result, E-sen are not simply historical artifacts—they remain a living tradition in Japan. Collectors can appreciate not only antique Edo-period examples but also beautifully crafted modern issues that continue this unique numismatic heritage.
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🌻 Popularity Among Collectors
E-sen are one of the most diverse fields of Japanese numismatics. Because they were produced independently by numerous local craftsmen rather than by the government, many varieties are extremely rare.
Collectors value E-sen for their:
• Wide variety of designs
• Regional uniqueness
• Artistic beauty
• Historical and cultural significance
Rare temple issues, large-sized E-sen, and unusual designs can command high prices in today's collector market.
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🌻 Summary
Japanese E-sen are coin-shaped charms and commemorative pieces produced primarily during the Edo period, although the tradition continues today. While they resemble genuine coins, they were generally not intended to circulate as money. Instead, they served as lucky charms, religious objects, souvenirs, and decorative pieces. Featuring an extraordinary variety of artistic designs—including dragons, the Seven Lucky Gods, zodiac animals, and religious motifs—E-sen represent one of the richest and most fascinating fields of Japanese numismatics. Their continued production by temples, shrines, and private mints ensures that this unique tradition remains an important part of Japan's cultural heritage.
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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 item pictured is the item you will receive
We
do our best to describe the item up for bid in our amateur opinion
Please look at the pictures and grade for yourself
We have not cleaned or altered coins