Perhaps the peculiar adaptability of the Japanese character cannot be better illustrated than by their late monetary revolution, especially as their coinage is hedged around with laws, with penal attachments of no doubtful character. In the small morocco case marked “Japan” are a few specimens of their original coin. Of this series the large gold plate, four inches by three and a half, is known as the “Gold Oban,” their most valuable coin, worth about seventy-five dollars. This coin is of perfectly smooth surface, with an elaborate black inscription of Japanese text, burnt in by a chemical process. To take the “Gold Oban” out of the kingdom is _punishable with death_; to remove it by mistake, subjects the offender to imprisonment for life. The other coins in this case are, in their composition and shape, as distinctive as the Japanese are peculiar as a people. The progressive character of the Japanese is exemplified by their recent acceptance of the United States system of coinage. The mind of the Japanese proletaire has been much troubled in recent years with regard to the coinage of his country; not that he ever has much of the currency in question, but the Japanese proletaire has no pockets, and he finds it awkward to carry in his hands such coins as he contrives to possess. In ancient times his rulers were more considerate. They punched square holes in the centre of the coins, through which he passed a string, and was thus able to carry about his available capital tied around his neck or to his waistband, which in those days was his sole garment. The coins were not large in amount; it took a thousand of them to make a few shillings, while a cart was required to convey five dollars worth. But with civilization came an improved coinage, larger in value, and with no holes, and the pocketless proletaire naturally grumbled that civilization treated him hardly in this respect. Paper currency for small amounts partially satisfied him for a time; but at last his cries have been heard, and the Japanese Government has promised to issue a new coin specially for his behoof. Its value is rather less than one cent, and is to possess the indispensable hole, by which he can string it as a child strings beads, and he is probably content. TURKEY. Turkish coins often bear texts from the Koran on either side, so it may be said the tenets of their religion are their circulating medium. The piastres in this collection are generally those now in circulation. EGYPT. Egypt’s antique coins were of Greek or Roman workmanship, of which the very finest is in the case marked “Selections,” and has not its superior for interest or beauty in the world. It was the work of some Greek artist, and presents the head of Arsinoe, wife of Ptolemy. It was found in 1868, and bought by the United States Government at a high price; but as only three had been found, its market value may be named by thousands, though its metal value is not more than twenty dollars.