3 Bu Ansei Countermarked 8 Reales
The 1858 3 Bu Ansei Countermarked 8 Reales is from Japan. Weighing approximately 26.8g, about 0.903oz of silver. On the obverse there's a Mexican Eagle destroying a snake on a cactus. On the reverse there's a liberty cap, with rays; symbolizing freedom.
The story behind this coin is after the withdrawal from the Ansei Nishu-gin, trade continued. The exchange rate of one silver dollar equivalated to three Ichibu-gin coins.
Townsend Harris suggested to place a Japanese countermark and stamp of value on Mexican silver dollars and make them legal tender in Japan. This was all to promote international trade.
Townsend Harris(1855) painted by James Bogle
The 1859 3 Bu Ansei Countermarked 8 reales sold for an estimated $9,500 in the January 2015 Stack's Bowers auction. It was graded as an NGC Au-58.
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