Japan 1863, Ryukyu Islands (Okinawa) ???? 1/2 Shu; Red. UNC. Stunning Coin! - $405 - (Ames, IA)
The coin in the photos is the one you will receive. It is too large for a 2x2 or any protector (About 1.75 inches squared), but it will be shipped in a manner to very cautiously protect it. Feel free to message me with any questions. Please check out my other items as well. The Coin:Obverse (Written in Seal Script), (Upper character, then lower, then right, then left): ???? = Ryukyu Currency Reverse (Written in Seal Script): ?? = 1/2 Shu Edge Lettering (Written in Seal Script): ?. This is "Sa" in katakana. It is the first syllable of "Satsuma", the eponymous powerful domain that first invaded the Ryukyus in 1609. This is C # 115 (Standard Catalog of Wolrd Coins), and JDNA 138.2. The aforementioned books only go up to XF (Standard Catalog), or an equivalent of AU "Fifty" (JDNA). This is because it is next to impossible to find a coin from the Ryukyus that could be considered Uncirculated. Patina notwithstanding, If there was an UNC example, this is it. History of Ryukyu Islands: This coin was minted for 1 year only, in 1863. The Ryukyus are the southernmost part of Japan, and they comprise Okinawa (the largest islands)and other small islands. Once an independent kingdom, Japan annexed the islands in 1879, after having had a presence there for many years. It is extremely rare to find any coinage from the Ryukyus. Natural, red Tone: This coin has an original, burning red tone. It is the result of Copper(I) oxide, or Cu2O. Cu2O has an interesting property – it repels magnetic fields. Thus, you can test the authenticity of this coin by putting a strong magnet up to the obverse. There is a slight, yet perceptible (it’s only the coin’s surface) repulsion.
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