JAPAN. Japan - Russia. Hokkaido. Hakodate. 1.36 Momme, ND (ca. 1858). PCGS AU-50 Gold Shield.KM-not listed; JNDA-not listed. Individual Japanese numeral countermarks 1 (Ichi), 3 (San) and 6 (Roku) in a vertical line applied to the reverse of an 1858-CNB OB Russian 25 Kopeks of Nicholas I. A strongVERY /strongstrongRARE/strong short lived issue with about 6 examples known for this denomination. The countermarks are deeply impress and clear. The piece exhibits a lovely combination of dove grey tone in the open areas with golden-grey color radiating from the devices accentuated by hints of slate patina in the protected areas. An issue that seldom appears on the open market let alone outside of Japan certain to garner great interest from the specialist of Japanese numismatics. Countermark ALMOST UNCIRCULATED.The issues from the port of Hakodate were a short lived one as they proved to be impractical and inefficient. Each piece was weighed and stamped with the corresponding numbers that when calculated by 3.75 (Momme) were more than 99% accurate to the weight of the coin at time of striking. This is in accordance with Article V of the Harris Treaty of Amity and Commerce sign at Edo 29 July 1858. The article states "Americans and Japanese may freely use foreign coin in making payments to each other" and "All foreign coins shall be current in Japan, and pass for its corresponding weight of Japanese coin of the same description". The known host coins for this issue in Russia: 20 Kopeks, 25 Kopeks, Ruble; USA: Seated Half Dollars; France: 5 Francs; Mexico: Republican 8 Reales. The Russian 20 and 25 Kopeks appear to be the most "common" from this series with about 6 known of each followed by the USA seated half Dollars with about 5 known; all other denominations should be considered extremely rare to unique. From the Kyle Ponterio Collection.
