Kai-Ei Era (1848–1854) Damaged Japanese Domain-Issued Paper Currency - Multiple Domains

This collection features hansatsu (domain-issued paper currency) from the Kai-Ei era (1848–1854), a part of the Edo period. These notes, while damaged with signs of wear such as creases, tears, and fading, represent the currency issued by various domains during a time of transition in Japan’s economy. The domains and their modern-day prefectures are as follows:

• Satsuma Domain – Silver 1 monme note, issued in Kai-Ei 2 (1849), from the Satsuma domain, now part of Kagoshima Prefecture.
• Higo Domain – Silver 1 monme note, issued in Kai-Ei 3 (1850), from the Higo domain, now part of Kumamoto Prefecture.
• Tosa Domain – Silver 1 monme note, issued in Kai-Ei 5 (1852), from the Tosa domain, now part of Kochi Prefecture.
• Aizu Domain – Silver 1 monme note, issued in Kai-Ei 4 (1851), from the Aizu domain, now part of Fukushima Prefecture.
• Mito Domain – Silver 1 monme note, issued in Kai-Ei 1 (1848), from the Mito domain, now part of Ibaraki Prefecture.

These notes offer a rare look at Japan’s economic history during the Kai-Ei era, as the country was facing increased pressure from foreign influence and internal reform. Despite their damaged condition, these hansatsu remain valuable historical artifacts, reflecting the financial practices of the time.