koban
coin
Quick Summary
The koban was an oval-shaped Japanese gold coin issued from the 17th to the 19th century. Its value varied widely, and it was one of Japan's gold coin types, alongside the larger ōban. The word "koban" originates from Japanese, meaning "small size". Japan began issuing coins in AD 708, borrowing the practice from China. After a period where grain and cloth were used as currency, Japan reintroduced government coins and also had gold and silver coinage starting in the 16th century.12
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