160901-0031 - Early Japanese Currency

Early Japanese paper currency, a hansatsu note (藩札).

Japan’s feudal domains issued hansatsu for use within the domain during the Edo Period (1603–1868). Hansatsu carried a face value in gold, silver or copper coinage. Some hansatsu could be exchanged for rice, fish or another commodity.

The national Government ordered the exchange of all scrip for the national currency in 1871 (Meiji 4). Exchange was discontinued in 1879 (Meiji 12).