RYUKYUS: Sho Tai, 1848-1879, AE 100 mon (18.56g), H-6.28, JNDA-138.1, VF. These coins were minted in the Ryukyu era year 2-3 (1862-63) by the Shimazu clan at Isonohama, near Kagoshima, the political center for Satsuma and also for the Ryukyu. Ryukyu traders and emissaries frequented the city, and a special Ryukyu embassy building was established there. The coins were originally intended for trade with the Ryukyu, but apparently were little used there. It is said that their production was a smokescreen to hide the production of illegal Tempo Tsuho value 100 coins.

Estimate: USD 75 - 100