Japanese silver coinage reflects the nation's rapid modernization during the Meiji period. Early issues feature the iconic Dragon and Rising Sun motifs, struck to high standards to compete with international trade dollars. These coins are highly sought after by stackers and collectors alike for their intricate artwork and reliable 80% purity.
Following WWII, Japan briefly returned to silver for its 100 Yen and commemorative issues. The 1964 Tokyo Olympics sparked the creation of the beautiful 1000 Yen coin. This sterling silver piece remains one of the few modern Japanese coins with significant bullion weight, as the country eventually transitioned entirely to base metals for circulation.
| Coin Type | Purity | Years | ASW (oz) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1000 Yen (1964) | 92.5% | 1964 | 0.5948 |
| 1 Yen (Large) | 90.0% | 1870-1914 | 0.7802 |
| 100 Yen | 60.0% | 1957-1966 | 0.0926 |
| 50 Sen (Dragon) | 80.0% | 1870-1905 | 0.3467 |
| 50 Sen (Yatagarasu) | 72.0% | 1922-1938 | 0.1146 |
| 20 Sen (Dragon) | 80.0% | 1870-1911 | 0.1382 |
| 20 Sen (Rising Sun) | 72.0% | 1906-1911 | 0.0937 |
| 10 Sen (Dragon) | 80.0% | 1870-1906 | 0.0691 |
| 10 Sen (Rising Sun) | 72.0% | 1907-1917 | 0.0521 |
| 5 Sen | 80.0% | 1870-1906 | 0.0345 |
