The threat posed by China's Tang dynasty prompted Japan to boost the state's economic strength by minting its first coins in the late seventh century, earlier than previously believed, according to an archaeologist at a national research institute.
The Nara National Research Institute of Cultural Properties announced this week that 33 Fuhonsen coins, which were found in August at the site of the Fujiwarakyo court in Asuka, Nara Prefecture, date from the late seventh century.
The finding, which rocked the archaeological and historical world, negates the belief that the issuance of Wado Kaichin coins in 708 marked the birth of Japan's money economy.