Samurai Coins

A Piece of History In The Hand

The samurai were said to have abhorred financial dealings, believing it to be the work of the merchant class far below them. However, like all human beings, they did prefer to live a comfortable life, and realised that money was key to power. While some samurai received cash payments, most had wages paid in rice, that was then transferred into ready cash.

Collecting feudal Japanese coins is a captivating way to forge a physical link to the samurai period of history.  These distinctly Japanese coins reflect the rich samurai culture of feudal Japan, and tell us a lot about the circumstances of the time. The metals used, the shapes, sizes and the amount of gold, silver and alloys all changed depending upon eras and the government’s financial situation.