Japan Background, common motifs, and resources
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Coins have been used in Japan since at least the 7th century (and perhaps earlier), imported from China and Korea once relations were established. The pre-modern domestic minting of coins (cast coins) began in 708, and through 958. Coins were probably not the primary method of exchange between average persons (rice/rice plants, cloth, tools etc served) but useful for trading on a larger scale.
No coins were produced domestically for the subsequent 600 years, with coinage needs being met by imported coins. Eventually economic development reached a point where a more robust monetary system was needed and minting resumed. Suffice to say the coinage produced by varying minting authorities resulted in varying degrees of fineness, weights, size and shapes (and comprise a far too an extensive topic to be covered here).
Modern Japanese coins are considered those minted since 1870, after the Meiji restoration. Among the many sweeping changes in government the Mint in Osaka was completed and new coinage regulations were established. The coins became uniform in shape (round) and fineness, and a decimal system established using the (gold) yen as the standard unit.
Over time the coinage was modified and various denominations removed or altered to reflect then current needs. Gold, silver and copper saw the addition of nickel and other base metals with various design changes. The last circulating silver coin was minted in 1938. In 1953 denominations smaller than the yen were officially abolished, though the last was actually minted in 1948.
Between 1948-1950 (there is some overlap) the newer coins became classified as 'current coins'. The 'current' designation corresponds with the adoption of the new constitution in 1947 after the conclusion of WWII, transitioning to the new government or issuing authority. With that transition there is also a shift between reading the inscriptions from the traditional right to left moving to the Western style left to right.
That said, in the Japanese Numismatic Dealers Association (JNDA) catalog (see below) there are coins that do not fit this categorization precisely and are not categorized as 'current' despite having the new issuing authority name. The brass 1 yen minted 1948-1950 is not classified as current though it reads left to right and the inscription is "Country of Japan". Also, oddly, the 50 sen of 1947-1948 has the new "Country of Japan" inscription, but is still read right to left.
In fact, the JNDA catalog itself uses the date 1951 as the dividing point yet there are definitely exceptions to that date as an absolute, as there are coins first minted in 1948 (the base metal 5 yen in two varieties) that are considered 'current' right down to the 'Country of Japan inscription reading left to right, but violate the 1951 boundary. Not exactly cut and dried, and 'current' does not refer so much as to what is currently circulating, but to the current government.
Commemoratives were first seen in 1964, honoring the Tokyo Olympics. Since then there has been a steady increase in issues with base metal (denominations of 100 and 500 yen), silver (500-10,000 yen) and gold coins (10,000-100,000 yen) issued to celebrate or commemorate various events or landmark anniversaries. For example, 2015 and 2016 saw the release of a 4 coin colorized silver and gold series commemorating the 'Great Eastern Earthquake Reconstruction Project' as well as a series commemorating the anniversary of the Shinkansen (bullet trains).
The Prefecture Series, with a 1000 yen colorized silver coin and a bi-metallic (base metal) 500 yen, are in the process of being issued 4 per year starting in 2009. They commemorate the 60th anniversary of the 'Enforcement of Local Autonomy Law'.
Basically, Japan has been--perhaps in a far more restrained fashion than Canada (and Australia, and no comment on all those tiny island nations...)--expanding into the colorized coin and commemorative production industry. Sigh.
This page includes a section on coin motifs, some recommended reading materials (with descriptions including an annotated page of the JNDA catalog), useful links to other sites, and links to other pages on this site that include dating/inscriptions, specific coins by dates, and a page with a view of a Dansco Japan Type Set album.
No coins were produced domestically for the subsequent 600 years, with coinage needs being met by imported coins. Eventually economic development reached a point where a more robust monetary system was needed and minting resumed. Suffice to say the coinage produced by varying minting authorities resulted in varying degrees of fineness, weights, size and shapes (and comprise a far too an extensive topic to be covered here).
Modern Japanese coins are considered those minted since 1870, after the Meiji restoration. Among the many sweeping changes in government the Mint in Osaka was completed and new coinage regulations were established. The coins became uniform in shape (round) and fineness, and a decimal system established using the (gold) yen as the standard unit.
Over time the coinage was modified and various denominations removed or altered to reflect then current needs. Gold, silver and copper saw the addition of nickel and other base metals with various design changes. The last circulating silver coin was minted in 1938. In 1953 denominations smaller than the yen were officially abolished, though the last was actually minted in 1948.
Between 1948-1950 (there is some overlap) the newer coins became classified as 'current coins'. The 'current' designation corresponds with the adoption of the new constitution in 1947 after the conclusion of WWII, transitioning to the new government or issuing authority. With that transition there is also a shift between reading the inscriptions from the traditional right to left moving to the Western style left to right.
That said, in the Japanese Numismatic Dealers Association (JNDA) catalog (see below) there are coins that do not fit this categorization precisely and are not categorized as 'current' despite having the new issuing authority name. The brass 1 yen minted 1948-1950 is not classified as current though it reads left to right and the inscription is "Country of Japan". Also, oddly, the 50 sen of 1947-1948 has the new "Country of Japan" inscription, but is still read right to left.
In fact, the JNDA catalog itself uses the date 1951 as the dividing point yet there are definitely exceptions to that date as an absolute, as there are coins first minted in 1948 (the base metal 5 yen in two varieties) that are considered 'current' right down to the 'Country of Japan inscription reading left to right, but violate the 1951 boundary. Not exactly cut and dried, and 'current' does not refer so much as to what is currently circulating, but to the current government.
Commemoratives were first seen in 1964, honoring the Tokyo Olympics. Since then there has been a steady increase in issues with base metal (denominations of 100 and 500 yen), silver (500-10,000 yen) and gold coins (10,000-100,000 yen) issued to celebrate or commemorate various events or landmark anniversaries. For example, 2015 and 2016 saw the release of a 4 coin colorized silver and gold series commemorating the 'Great Eastern Earthquake Reconstruction Project' as well as a series commemorating the anniversary of the Shinkansen (bullet trains).
The Prefecture Series, with a 1000 yen colorized silver coin and a bi-metallic (base metal) 500 yen, are in the process of being issued 4 per year starting in 2009. They commemorate the 60th anniversary of the 'Enforcement of Local Autonomy Law'.
Basically, Japan has been--perhaps in a far more restrained fashion than Canada (and Australia, and no comment on all those tiny island nations...)--expanding into the colorized coin and commemorative production industry. Sigh.
This page includes a section on coin motifs, some recommended reading materials (with descriptions including an annotated page of the JNDA catalog), useful links to other sites, and links to other pages on this site that include dating/inscriptions, specific coins by dates, and a page with a view of a Dansco Japan Type Set album.
Coin design motifs
There are several recurring motifs with historical associations found on the modern Japanese coins. This is a brief discussion, and other details may be noted in discussing specific coins.
Cherry blossom
The national flower and significant part of Japanese culture. Hanami is a traditional custom, wherein the blossoms (usually of the sakura or cherry) are appreciated. The Washington DC cherry trees were a gift from the mayor of Tokyo in 1912 |
Imperial emblems
Chrysanthemum--the Imperial crest. 16 petals of specific size ratios. Initially adopted as early as the 8th century, with beginning of Meiji era it is now the official seal of the Emperor. Paulownia (Kirimon)--The government seal. Three leaves, three flower branches with 5, 7 and 5 flowers on the branches. Originally one of the Imperial crests, but now the government and/or Prime Minister's emblem. |
Phoenix/Hoo bird--Not the same as the phoenix of other mythologies but is specifically associated with the Emperor. The legend is that the bird appears when a boy destined to be Emperor is born, or at the beginning of a new era and during peace and prosperity.
Sunburst Crest--representative of the Sun Goddess, and thus the Imperial family. Often encircled by the Sacred Mirror (as this was part of early myth). |
The Sacred Mirror--an 8 lobed mirror, a gift from the Sun Goddess and possessed by the first Emperor of Japan. One of the Imperial treasures and required to ascend to the throne.
The Golden Kite--In legend the bird perched beside Jimmu Tenno (he being the first Emperor) thus blinding/scaring the enemies and aiding in victory. A warlike emblem (seen on the war issues). |
Fuji-san/Mount Fuji-- another cultural icon of Japan.
Crows-- appear on several coins but I don't know the meaning as yet. There is a three legged crow that is featured in some mythology, but the crows on the coins do not appear to have the extra appendage. |
Reading Resources
This book has two editions (1975 and 1978) and is highly useful. It is a fairly small reference and easily understood.
The sections regarding historical and general information are brief but invaluable. The specific coin sections are also of interest, but needless to say the valuations are woefully outdated and there is minimal information on varieties. Buy it if you can. The author passed away several years ago and I have no idea who/what entity might hold the copyright or what plans they may have to re-publish. Definitely an asset to a personal library and can be found on eBay (two copies as I write this). |
This was originally printed in 1953, with subsequent republishing in 1972 (Spinks is listed as copyright holder inside the cover on that edition). A paperback version was released in 2009 with two forwards added (haven't read those yet).
As 2009 was 56 years after the original publishing date, I suspect the original content is now public domain under the copyright laws prior to 1977. The two authors were military officers stationed in post-war Japan, and had extensive access to original sources as well as the treasury. Coupled with Japanese literacy and an interest in Japanese numismatics they were in position to generate a fantastic resource. |
The first of two parts is penned by Dr. Vermeule and serves as an introduction to the monetary history of Japan.
The second part is a catalog and attributed to Dr. Jacobs. It includes all issues as known at the time, but is lacking in some variety information now known. There is an included (at least in my edition) a pamphlet tucked in at the end that is dated 1972 and is a price list.
It is readable, and though perhaps not completely exhaustive in varieties as known now, it is an invaluable addition to a personal library. It remains available on eBay and Amazon and can be found in all three editions.
The second part is a catalog and attributed to Dr. Jacobs. It includes all issues as known at the time, but is lacking in some variety information now known. There is an included (at least in my edition) a pamphlet tucked in at the end that is dated 1972 and is a price list.
It is readable, and though perhaps not completely exhaustive in varieties as known now, it is an invaluable addition to a personal library. It remains available on eBay and Amazon and can be found in all three editions.
Description key
A. Catalog or JNDA number (partially cut off in the photo)
B. Japanese and English descriptor C. Physical description (weight, diameter, metal content etc) D. Drawing rendition of obverse and reverse E. Regnal or Era year column F. Gregorian calendar year column G. Mintages column H. Condition row (number key below) J. Value column in yen The condition descriptions/definitions (per a translator): 1. "Perfect mint state" 2. "Never used, small flaws" 3. "Barely used, nice" 4. "Used, but nearly new" or "normal" 5. "Circulated" or "poor" |
The Japanese Numismatic Dealer Association (JNDA) publishes an annual catalog which covers pretty much every coin and note. The catalogs can be obtained from various eBay sellers and online coin sellers, generally for reasonable prices.
There is not too much variance between the years though there are educational sections that do change. The catalog is almost entirely written in Japanese, with not much more than the basic headings in English. That said, one can definitely glean useful information even as a non-reader of Japanese. Prices are, naturally, in yen so conversion to US dollars has to be done at the prevailing rate. The prices in yen used to be fairly accurate, but there is more weakness in the market. Even so, this is a better barometer for prevailing prices than Krause/NGC price guide IN MY OPINION. |
As a rough approximation I consider these as GEM, BU, AU-58 to lower UNC, XF-AU, and F-VF.
The JNDA is divided into sections, with numerical designations or catalog numbers being assigned to each coin. Section 1 of the Japanese Numismatic Dealers Association (JNDA) catalog starts with the 'Modern Type Coins', beginning with the gold 20 yen coin minted in 1870 and following each denomination in descending order. Section 2 is labeled 'Current coins'. Section 3 is for commemorative coins and Section 4 contains the Prefecture series. The sections continue on and include occupied territories, coin sets, patterns, pre-modern coinage, and currency.
Published in 2011 this is an EXTREMELY useful and readable book. The focus is on the pre-1870 coinage which covers a vast amount of years and styles.
Although this is not a segment I collect to any significant degree I would not be without this book. Huge asset. This is a current publication and is found on Amazon. |
Munro's 'Coins of Japan' was one of the original resources in the English language, and considered one of the top resources in any language.
Sadly, the reprints (it's old enough to be public domain now) can be a bit variable in quality. Also, the older style verbiage makes it a bit less approchable for the modern reader. This is one title that if I can get my hands on an original printing (with plates intact) I would want to buy. Though I own this, I have not given it a proper study due to the limits of the reproduction and the language style and as my interests have not expanded significantly to the pre-Meiji coinage. |
Useful outside links
NGC pricing guide -- a reasonable source on finding ballpark figures. NGC does not recognize all varieties.
LionCoins.com -- this website is the original page I read to understand how to 'read' a Meiji/post Meiji coin. Excellent.
Fudewaza.net-- a calligraphy generator, which was very helpful in getting some of the characters rendered here.
Wikipedia.org-- the Japan listing contains an ever-so-brief history.
Google translate -- helpful mostly.
Numista, Japan page -- some good dating and symbol information, explained a bit differently which might be helpful.
Portland Coins -- another dating explanation. I find it useful to look at different sites as different approaches, graphics or examples may do the trick in making an unfamiliar topic (to a Western eye in this case) more easily comprehended.
LionCoins.com -- this website is the original page I read to understand how to 'read' a Meiji/post Meiji coin. Excellent.
Fudewaza.net-- a calligraphy generator, which was very helpful in getting some of the characters rendered here.
Wikipedia.org-- the Japan listing contains an ever-so-brief history.
Google translate -- helpful mostly.
Numista, Japan page -- some good dating and symbol information, explained a bit differently which might be helpful.
Portland Coins -- another dating explanation. I find it useful to look at different sites as different approaches, graphics or examples may do the trick in making an unfamiliar topic (to a Western eye in this case) more easily comprehended.