Definizione

• A name given to Japanese paper currency, or " money cards," issued May 15, 1868. For centuries before, every great daimio had issued paper money cur- rent only in his han. When the Mikado was restored to power and the government reorganized, it followed the example of the daimios and issued scrip in various de- nominations. The cards were oblong in shape, but varied in size ; two thirds of the length bore an ornamental frame con- taining the value, and the remaining third resembled a coupon, being the two rampant dragons with tails crossed and enclosing an inscription denoting the issuing office.

  The previous paper currency consisted of Hansatsu, of which there are a number of varieties since 1694 and which were re- deemed for the Kinsatsu, at the rate of one Yen for one Rio ; those having a value of one half or one quarter Koban were called Hayaki ; and those valued at forty- eight copper Mon were named Zeni.

Fonte

• Frey's Dictionary (American Journal of Numismatics, Vol. 50, 1916)

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