Japanese Silver One Yen Coin c. Meiji Era
Coin/Bullion · Japan Mint (Osaka Mint), established in 1871 under the Ministry of Finance, highly regarded for precision minting and strict adherence to international bullion standards.
Pattern: Japanese Meiji Trade Coinage, introduced in 1870, widely circulated throughout East Asia and international trade ports.
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
Japan Mint (Osaka Mint), established in 1871 under the Ministry of Finance, highly regarded for precision minting and strict adherence to international bullion standards.
Material
Silver (.900 fine silver, .100 copper), standard composition for international trade dollars of the period.
Dimensions
Standard Meiji one yen coin diameter of approximately 38.1 mm and weight of 26.96 grams of .900 fine silver.
Description
An appealing silver coin from the Meiji era featuring detailed radial floral wreath designs surrounding central Japanese characters, exhibiting the characteristic patina and history of Asian trade coinage.
Key Features
Precise Meiji era kanji, distinct floral wreath motifs, reeded edge, and standard trade dollar weight and silver purity.
Material & Composition
Silver (.900 fine silver, .100 copper), standard composition for international trade dollars of the period.
Finish & Decoration
Business strike finish featuring intricate floral wreaths, Japanese characters, and the mythical rising sun motif within a beaded circle.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Countermarks or mint identification stamps may be present on trade dollars, with standard Japanese kanji characters indicating denomination and reigning Emperor.
Construction Details
Machine-struck using modern steam-powered coining presses introduced to the Osaka Mint from the former Hong Kong Mint machinery.
Functional Features
Designed as a standardized international trade coin to compete with the Mexican Peso and US Trade Dollar in Asian markets.
Handle & Grip Details
Reeded edge (milled rim) to prevent clipping and illegal removal of silver content.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial minting displaying crisp die strikes, perfectly centered designs, and uniform reeded edges.
Authentication Indicators
Correct diameter, edge reeding, weight, and characteristic Meiji period typography and mint state details.
Origin & Manufacturing
Minted in Osaka, Japan, utilizing advanced Western minting technology acquired during the Meiji Restoration.
Era & Period
Meiji Period (1868-1912), reflecting Japan's rapid modernization, industrialization, and adoption of Western monetary standards.
Age Estimate
Late 19th to early 20th century, specifically corresponding to the Meiji era reigning years stamped on the coin.
Cultural Significance
Symbolizes Japan's economic transition and integration into the global financial system during the modernization of the Meiji Restoration.
Condition Notes
Moderate surface wear and natural age toning consistent with circulation, minor contact marks, good overall structural integrity.
Value Estimate
Valued between $150 and $500 USD depending on the specific year of issue, exact condition grade, and presence of any merchant countermarks.
Care & Maintenance
Store in a inert coin holder or capsule, handle by the edges with cotton gloves, and never clean or polish to preserve numismatic value.
Similar Pieces
US Trade Dollars, Mexican 8 Reales, British Trade Dollars, and other late 19th-century silver crown-sized trade coins.
Interesting Facts
These silver yen coins were heavily used in international trade across East Asia and frequently counterstamped by local merchants to verify their silver content.