Monumental Cache of Ancient Coins Discovered in Central Japan
Archaeologists discovered a massive cache of ancient coinage dating back over 2,000 years during preliminary construction-related excavations.
As reported by The Asahi Shimbun, the national Japanese newspaper, during excavations for a soon-to-be constructed factory in Maebashi, Gunma Prefecture, central Japan, archaeologists discovered a massive cache of ancient coinage dating back over 2,000 years.
Archaeologists discovered 1,060 bundles of coins, containing roughly 100 coins each, carefully wrapped and bundled with straw rope. Researchers examined 334 coins and found that this group dated to at least 44 different years. The oldest coin discovered to date was an engraved Chinese Ban Liang bronze coin with its standard distinctive center hole—which reinforces the historical connection between Japan and the Chinese Empire and the countries' expansive trade relations during the period.
Because the Japanese did not begin producing their metal currency until the late seventh century, pausing in the mid-tenth century because of economic and supply issues, it is not surprising that many of the found coins were produced elsewhere.
Given that the most recent coin in the cache dates to 1265, it is thought to have been buried during the Kamakura Period (1185–1333). However, until more coins are analyzed, the exact burial date will remain unknown.
In addition to the coins, archaeologists recovered several cultural artifacts from the site. The discovery of the relics has led researchers to speculate that the site was a central part of Kozuke province, which antedates the current Gunma Prefecture, around the time of the Kofun (burial mounds) spanning the late third century to the late seventh century.
Kele Johnson is the Editor of Kovels Antique Trader magazine and the Digital Content Editor of Active Interest Media's Collectibles Group. Her captivation with collectibles began at a young age while dusting her mother’s McCoy pottery collection. She admits to a fondness for mid-century ceramics, uranium glass, and ancient coin hoards. Kele has a degree in archaeology and has been researching, writing, and editing in the collectibles field for many years. Reach her at kelejohnson@aimmedia.com.
