The oldest example of Zojishi was SOGA no Zentoko (son of SOGA no Umako) appointed at the construction of Hoko-ji Temple, and Zojishi was also established at the construction of Asuka-dera Temple (a great number of Fuhonsen coins were found from the facilities); however, Zojishi was formally established after the introduction of the ritsuryo system.
最古の例は法興寺創建時において蘇我善徳（蘇我馬子の子）が任じられたとされ、飛鳥寺創建の際にも設置されていた（その施設内から大量の富本銭が発掘されている）が、本格的な設置は律令制導入以後とされている。