Japanese mon

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The mon (文, mon^?) was a currency of Japan until 1870. It resembled and was derived from the Chinese wen (cf. Korean mun). Coins denominated in mon were cast in copper or iron and circulated alongside silver and gold ingots denominated in shu, bu and ryō, with 16 shu = 4 bu = 1 ryo. The yen replaced these denominations in 1870. Mon coins were holed, allowing them to be strung together on a piece of string.

Through Japanese history, there were many different styles of currency of many shapes, styles, designs, sizes and materials, including gold, silver, bronze, etc. Even rice was once a currency, the koku.

[edit] External links

• A History of Coins - Kan'ei Tsuho and Tempo Tsuho