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Mannen TsūhōMannen Tsūhō (万年通宝) is an early form of Japanese currency that was issued from 760 to 765 AD (Tenpyō-hōji 4 to 9) during the Nara period. These are also known as the second issue of Kocho Junisen under the Ritsuryo system. History According to the Shoku Nihongi, Mannen Tsūhō were issued in 760 (Tenpyō-hōji 4) along with the silver Taihei Genpō and the gold Kaiki Shoho. Mannen Tsūhō were struck in an alloy which contains 77.98% copper, have a weight of 3.75 g and a diameter of 25.5 to 25.8mm.[1][2] The Imperial edict for Mannen Tsūhō coins appears in the Shoku Nihongi where it is entered for March 16 in the 4th year of Tenpyo Hoji (760) during the reign of Emperor Junnin. This edict stipulates that 10 silver Taihei Genpō coins were to be used for 1 gold Kaiki Shoho coin. 1 silver Taihei Genpo coin could also be exchanged for 10 Mannen Tsūhō (new copper coins).[3][4] All three of these denominations are said to have characters written by scholar Kibi no Makibi.[5] The right to issue these coins was given to Fujiwara no Nakamaro (Emi no Oshikatsu), who had been appointed Daijō-daijin in the previous year.[3] While in theory the exchange rate was to be implemented, in practice the old Wadōkaichin and new Mannen Tsūhō coins co-circulated. Officials meanwhile, tried in vain to draw attention away from the fact that 10 Wadōkaichin (older copper coins) could be exchanged for 1 new Mannen Tsuho coin. [4] As the Mannen Tsūhō did not circulate at a set value, private coins that imitated these new coins were rampant. Minting eventually ceased after just 5 years of production, making these one of the shortest issued series among (Japanese) ancient coins.[6] ExcavationsArchaeologists have unearthed Mannen Tsūhō coins since at least 1970. According to the Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, "there were 79 mokkan, plus coins including Wado kaichin and Mannen tsuho examples" recovered from a ditch at the ruins of Akita Castle.[7] See alsoReferences
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