#31a • 1868 Japanese 2 Bu Gold/Silver Coin

Part of August 2026 Coins & Currency Auction (timed auction by Alaska Premier Auctions & Appraisals)

High bid $180.00

Status: Sold

Category: Coins

A Japanese 2 Bu rectangular coin, officially called Nubu-kin, and more commonly known as "Samurai Money" because they were minted and circulated in feudal Japan during the late Edo and early Meiji periods. The obverse side displays two traditional kiri crests, which served as symbols of the ruling government and the Imperial family. Between the crests, the denomination character indicates its value. The reverse displays the characters for the Mint official and his signature (translation of Mitsutsugu.) The composition is electrum, an alloy containing a mixture of both gold and silver. These rectangular bars were among the final gold-denominated issues of traditional Japanese currency. The currency system was entirely overhauled shortly after when Western-style round coins (the modern Yen) were introduced during the Meiji Restoration. Further details on the coin follow below. Variety: 2 Bu Nibu-kin Country: Japan Face Value: 2 Bu Year(s)/Mint Mark(s): 1868-1869 (Meiji Nibukin) Metal Content: 22.3% Gold & 77.7% Silver Graded: No, condition as photographed