Fuhonsen

Fuhonsen (富本銭) is an early form of Japanese currency that was created around 683 (Tenmu 12) during the Asuka period. Its suggested that these coins were minted before the creation of the Wadōkaichin in 708 based on an entry in the Nihon Shoki. Theories differ as to whether this coin actually circulated or was used as a Chinese numismatic charm. While Mumonginsen preceded these coins, there are still many unanswered questions regarding a relationship with their value as money, the scope of circulation, and their functions.

The first Japanese embassy to China is recorded to have been sent in 630, following with Japan, who adopted numerous Chinese cultural practices.^[1] Fuhonsen are described as circular with an average diameter of 24.44mm with a square central hole. They are about 1.5 mm thick and weigh between 4.25g to 4.59g. These coins are primarily made of copper, including antimony with traces of silver and bismuth. Using copper as the primary alloy may have been intentional as this would have created a low melting temperature which makes casting easier.

Fuhonsen feature a pattern design called "Seven Stars" with the word "Fuyu" written vertically and seven dots arranged in a tortoiseshell shape horizontally. These represent the yin and yang of Wuxing, and are thought to represent the symbols of heaven and earth.^[2] An inscribed character "夲" on the coin is considered to be an ancient variant of "book" font.^[2] The name Fuhon (富本) is derived from the Yiwen Leiju (芸文類聚) where its referred to as Dongguan Hanji (富民之本在於食貨).

The first mention of Fuhonsen occurs in the "Wakan Kokonbosen Illustrated Book" which was published in 1694 (Genroku 7). It's also later mentioned in 1798 (Kansei 10) by Kutsuki Masatsuna, the 8th lord of Fukuchiyama Domain. Masatsuna published a catalogue of coins with an illustration of Fuhonsen under "Fumoto Seven Star Coins". He mentions there that these have been known among numismatic researchers for a long time. Kuchiki Masatsuna's collection which included Fuhonsen were sold after his death to the Germans in exchange for 50 Gewehrs at the end of the Edo period. These were needed at the time by the domain due to a financial crisis and the need for Western-style armaments.

In 1889 (Meiji 22), Japanese numismatist Imai Fuzan wrote about the Fuhonsen in "The Tale of Fuzan Kensen". He mentions there that "its construction is old-fashioned and not different from Wado coins, and the copper quality is the same as that of Kowado." and is presumed to be ancient.^[3]

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The first Fuhonsen were said to have been excavated during the Meiji period in the Shimoina District (Takamori, Nagano) at the Akiba Tower Mound (武陵地古墳群).^[4] This alleged find later led to a requested investigation in 1999 by the Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties.^[5]

An entry for 683 AD states: "Summer, 4th month, 15th day. The Emperor made a decree; saying:-"Henceforth copper coins must be used, and not silver coins".^[6]

Fuhonsen (ja, [富本銭] Error: {{nihongo}}: transliteration text not Latin script (pos 1) (help)) coinage (富本銭), discovered in 1998 through archaeological research in the area of Nara.^[1][7]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Fuhonsen.

• Wadōkaichin
• Kaiki Shoho
• Taihei Genpō
• List of Japanese cash coins by inscription