With the object of shewing the characters on the various coins of Japan in as clear a manner as possible, tracings were made which were afterwards photographed and reproduced by half tone process. By this means the shadows of the characters in relief on the coins have been eliminated. If the resulting illustrations are more of the nature of sketches than full pictures, they may at least claim to shew the coins in their true proportions, both with regard to size and the delineation of the characters. In a few instances, where the half tone figures have been imperfect, wood cuts have been used to replace them. If some of the characters are not clear in every detail, I would plead that it is not always possible to obtain perfect specimens. The best available ones have been drawn upon for this purpose, from my own collection and those of my friends Mr. Morita Jihei and Dr. Majima, to whom I extend my hearty thanks.
(From the Preface)
There is something very fascinating in the study of Far Eastern coins. They do not appeal to us through any pictorial effect, but a subtle and impersonal charm pervades their inscriptions and the sentiments which they set forth.
(From the Introduction)
Contents
Preface
Introduction
1. Prehistorie and Protohistoric
2. The Antique Coins
3. Mediaeval Coins
4. From Tensho to Meiji
5. Provincial Coins
6a. Gold and Silver Currency
6b. The Meiji Currency
7. Experimental and Ornamental Coins
Appendix
Index
Corrigenda
Published by The Box of Curios Printing and Publishing Co. in 1904.
This book uses images from the National Diet Library Digital Collections.
