# Tenpō Tsūhō

> Japanese coin from the Edo period

**Wikidata**: [Q11442334](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q11442334)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tenpō_Tsūhō)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/tenpo-tsuho

## Summary
The Tenpō Tsūhō is a Japanese coin minted during the Edo period under the Tokugawa shogunate, specifically introduced in 1835. Named after the Tenpō era, this cash coin served as a high-denomination currency unit valued at 100 mon. It is a distinct historical artifact characterized by its specific physical dimensions, including a mass of approximately 20.7 grams and a thickness of 2.6 millimeters.

## Key Facts
- **Entity Type**: Japanese coin from the Edo period; subclass of `cash` and `coin`.
- **Introduction Date**: First issued in 1835.
- **Face Value**: 100 Japanese mon.
- **Physical Mass**: 20.7 grams (equivalent to 5.5 mace).
- **Physical Thickness**: 2.6 millimeters.
- **Manufacturer**: Produced by the `kinza` (mint).
- **Issuing Authority**: Tokugawa shogunate.
- **Etymology**: Named after the `Tenpō` era.
- **Classification**: Instance of `coin type` and `currency`.
- **Global Documentation**: Exists in 7 language editions (Arabic, Commons, English, Galician, Japanese, Dutch, Chinese).
- **Wikidata Description**: "Japanese coin from the Edo period."
- **Google Knowledge Graph ID**: `/g/122tcpv8`.
- **Spanish Cultural Heritage ID**: `numismatica/1187331`.
- **Commons Category**: `Tenpō Tsūhō`.
- **Primary Aliases**: `天保銭`, `天保通寳`, `天保通寶`.
- **Visual Documentation**: Includes specific images for the obverse and reverse sides hosted on Wikimedia Commons.

## FAQs
**What are the physical specifications of the Tenpō Tsūhō?**
The coin weighs 20.7 grams (or 5.5 mace) and has a thickness of 2.6 millimeters. These dimensions distinguish it from other cash coins of the period, reflecting its status as a high-value denomination.

**Who produced the Tenpō Tsūhō and under what authority?**
The coin was manufactured by the `kinza` (the official mint) under the authority of the Tokugawa shogunate. It was issued during the Tenpō era, which is reflected in its name.

**What is the monetary value of a single Tenpō Tsūhō coin?**
A single Tenpō Tsūhō carries a face value of 100 Japanese mon. This high denomination made it a significant unit of exchange within the Edo period economy.

**In which languages is information about this coin available?**
Detailed information and articles regarding the Tenpō Tsūhō are available in seven languages: Arabic, English, Galician, Japanese, Dutch, Chinese, and on Wikimedia Commons.

**How is the Tenpō Tsūhō classified in numismatic terms?**
It is classified as a specific `coin type` and a form of `currency`. Structurally, it falls under the broader categories of `cash` and `coin`.

## Why It Matters
The Tenpō Tsūhō represents a critical evolution in the monetary system of the Tokugawa shogunate, addressing the need for higher-denomination currency to facilitate larger transactions during the Edo period. As a high-value coin worth 100 mon, it streamlined trade and economic activity, moving beyond the limitations of smaller cash coins. Its production by the official `kinza` mint underscores the centralization of economic power and the shogunate's ability to manage currency supply. Today, it serves as a vital historical artifact for understanding the economic policies, metallurgy, and administrative capabilities of 19th-century Japan. The coin's preservation in multiple languages and digital archives ensures that its legacy continues to inform modern numismatic and historical research.

## Notable For
- **High Denomination**: Distinctly valued at 100 mon, setting it apart from standard low-value cash coins.
- **Specific Era Naming**: Directly named after the Tenpō era, linking it to a specific historical timeframe starting in 1835.
- **Unique Mass**: Possesses a precise weight of 20.7 grams (5.5 mace), a key identifier for authenticating specimens.
- **Manufacturing Origin**: Produced by the specialized `kinza` mint, highlighting the organized industrial capacity of the shogunate.
- **Multilingual Presence**: Documented across seven distinct language editions, including Arabic, Galician, and Chinese.
- **Digital Archiving**: Features dedicated image files for both obverse and reverse sides on Wikimedia Commons.
- **Cultural Heritage Recognition**: Indexed in the Spanish Cultural Heritage Thesauri, indicating international numismatic interest.
- **Taxonomic Clarity**: Clearly defined as a subclass of both `cash` and `coin` within knowledge graphs.

## Body

### Core Identity and Classification
The Tenpō Tsūhō is a specific instance of a `coin type` and `currency` originating from the Edo period in Japan. It is taxonomically classified as a subclass of `cash` and `coin`, establishing its role within the broader monetary system. The entity is explicitly described as a "Japanese coin from the Edo period" in its primary Wikidata description. It was issued by the Tokugawa shogunate, the ruling military government of the time. The coin is named after the Tenpō era, directly linking its identity to the historical period of its introduction.

### Historical Context and Introduction
The Tenpō Tsūhō was introduced in the year 1835. This date marks the beginning of its circulation as a medium of exchange. The coin was manufactured by the `kinza`, the official mint responsible for producing currency for the shogunate. Its creation was a strategic move to introduce a higher-value coin into the economy, facilitating larger transactions that were cumbersome with smaller denominations. The coin's existence is tied to the specific historical context of the Tenpō era, a time of significant economic and social change in Japan.

### Physical Specifications and Material Properties
The physical characteristics of the Tenpō Tsūhō are precisely documented. It has a mass of 20.7 grams, which is also recorded as 5.5 mace in traditional Japanese units of measurement. The coin's thickness is measured at 2.6 millimeters. These dimensions are critical for numismatic identification and authentication. The face value of the coin is set at 100 Japanese mon, a significant denomination for the period. The specific weight and size distinguish it from other cash coins, reflecting the material value and the economic intent behind its issuance.

### Visual Documentation and Digital Presence
The Tenpō Tsūhō is visually documented through high-quality images hosted on Wikimedia Commons. There are specific image files dedicated to the obverse side of the coin, showing the front inscription and design. Similarly, separate image files exist for the reverse side, capturing the back details. These visual records are linked to specific Wikipedia revisions, ensuring the accuracy of the documentation. The coin has a dedicated category on Wikimedia Commons labeled `Tenpō Tsūhō`, which aggregates all related media.

### Global Documentation and Language Coverage
Information about the Tenpō Tsūhō is available in seven language editions: Arabic, Commons, English, Galician, Japanese, Dutch, and Chinese. This multilingual presence indicates a broad interest in the coin across different cultural and linguistic regions. The entity has a `sitelink_count` of 7, reflecting the number of Wikipedia language versions that contain an article about it. The Google Knowledge Graph assigns it the ID `/g/122tcpv8`, integrating it into global knowledge networks. Additionally, it is indexed in the Spanish Cultural Heritage Thesauri with the ID `numismatica/1187331`, highlighting its recognition in European heritage databases.

### Aliases and Terminology
The coin is known by several aliases in Japanese, including `天保銭`, `天保通寳`, and `天保通寶`. These variations reflect different character representations and historical spellings used in numismatic contexts. The primary name, Tenpō Tsūhō, is the standard romanization used in English-language sources. The term "Tsūhō" generally refers to a circulating coin, while "Tenpō" denotes the era. These aliases are essential for researchers searching for the coin in Japanese databases or historical texts.

### Relationships and Taxonomy
The Tenpō Tsūhō is connected to several broader concepts. It is an instance of `coin type` and `currency`, linking it to the general class of money. It is a subclass of `cash`, a term often used for small, metallic coins in East Asian contexts. The coin is also a subclass of `coin`, placing it within the universal category of stamped metal currency. Its relationship with the Tokugawa shogunate defines its political and economic origin. The `kinza` is identified as the manufacturer, establishing a direct link to the production entity. The coin's face value of 100 mon connects it to the Japanese monetary system of the time.

### References and Authority Control
The data regarding the Tenpō Tsūhō is supported by references from Wikipedia revisions, ensuring traceability. Specific revision IDs are cited for the mass, thickness, and image data, such as `Q328` and various Wikipedia URL parameters. The entity is integrated into the Wikidata knowledge graph with a unique identifier. The Spanish Cultural Heritage Thesauri provides an additional layer of authority control with its specific ID. The Google Knowledge Graph ID further cements its status as a recognized entity in digital knowledge systems. These references ensure that the information is verifiable and grounded in authoritative sources.