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Tokugawa monetary system

Oban Large-Format Gold

Oban were large official gold pieces with ceremonial, gift, and high-value functions distinct from ordinary Koban.

大判Ōban

Oban Large-Format Gold, documented face 裏Exact reverse image unavailable
Ka23 13 · CC0 1.0 · Representative documented issue for this broader family; not every standard or stamp arrangement. · one face documented
Branch
gold
Years
Late 16th–19th centuries
Form
large oval
Valuation
ceremonial, gift, and high-value gold

Context

Historical and monetary setting

Production and marking were closely associated with the Goto family, and standards changed across named issues.

Identification

How to classify the object

Specialist comparison of hammered fabric, crest punches, ink inscription, kao, dimensions, mass, and alloy is essential.

Evidence boundary

What this page does not claim

Ink and crest-like marks alone do not authenticate a piece; the current image shows only one face.

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Related Edo references

Keicho Oban: Large-Format Official GoldTokugawa Mints, Offices, and Marks

Evidence

Sources and scope

These links support the claims on this page. Source authority does not imply permission to republish source images.

Money and Society in the Edo Period: Three-Currency System Bank of Japan Currency Museum

Gold, silver, and copper valuation conventions; Oban, Chogin, and Mameitagin roles.

Open source
Oban and the Goto Family Bank of Japan Currency Museum

Oban fineness changes and Goto-family production context.

Open source