2021 The Gaijin Series – First African Samurai : Yasuke 2 oz Silver Coin
$439.00
Available on backorder
In 1581, a tall, black African man by the name of Yasuke became the first foreign man to be bestowed the rank of a Samurai in Japan. Yasuke had arrived into Japan during a tumultuous time, when the country was heavily embroiled in a civil war with warlords across the country battling for power. Over time, he became fluent in Japanese, cultivated an appreciation for poetry, and armed himself with knowledge in Japanese martial arts. In addition to these traits, his past military experience, height, build and skin tone awed Japan’s most powerful warlord, Oda Nobunaga, who took a liking to Yasuke and recruited him into his trusted entourage.
Yasuke is depicted here in the Karuta armour of Japanese Samurais, standing firm with his Katana, or Japanese sword, in hand. He draws the Katana slightly and looks forward, an imposing bearing that matches his reputation as the formidable African Samurai. The collectible is finished with a skillful application of lacquer mixed with gold – inspired by the Japanese “Kintsugi” technique of repairing broken pottery through mending areas of breakage with the same substance. As a result, intricate gold lines lay aesthetically across Yasuke, with extensions to the legal tender on the obverse, the Coat of Arms du Tchad. This masterpiece is sure to stand out in any display, with its distinctive gold on silver treatment already an artistic feat on its own. Coupled with the bold form of Yasuke, it is a must-have for anyone who truly appreciates Japanese culture.
A new minting technique called “Bi-Metal Max” was applied to give this piece its remarkable weight and 80mm diameter – double the size of the regular 2 oz collectible. This is made possible by combining 11.5 oz of copper as a base with a top layer of 2 oz of fine-silver, resulting in a super ultra-high relief topped with silver antiqued finishing.
SPECIFICATIONS
Mintage: 500 pcs
Material: 999 Ag & 999 Cu
Weight: 2 oz Ag & 11.5 oz Cu
Finish: Antiqued High Relief with Gold Coloring
Diameter: 80 mm
Country: Republique du Tchad
Year of Issue: 2021
Face Value: 10000 Francs CFA
