ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the coinages issued by the classical state, but the issues of where coins were used and who handled them are also important points worth considering. It outlines the characteristics of the currencies Japan's classical state issued period by period from the late seventh century through the end of the Heian period in the twelfth century, together with a discussion of circulation and commerce in the classical period more broadly. Currency in premodern Japan took the form of round copper coins with square holes in the center, marked with Chinese characters inscribed into their surface. Beginning with the Ryūhei eibō in 796, and concluding with the Kengen taihō of 958, the court struck nine different copper currencies in total during the Heian period. The ritsuryō state placed a great deal of value on copper coins, as can be gathered from the fact that the presentation of Japanese copper catalyzed the issuance of a coinage.
