The First And Last Japanese Silver Yen

Beautiful examples.

Awesome! Very nice.

Thank you for sharing. A beautiful coin!

Cool looking coins! Thanks for sharing. I like the first and last designation in the descriptions.

Circling back to this old thread, I have added to the lot what I consider the further evolution of the old silver Yens.



After 1914, crown-like silver coins weren't minted anymore. Fast forward to the pre-WW2 and WW2 period finances were tight and after the surrender, Japan's monetary system was revolutionalized once more with the introduction of the new yen where silver was only used for a few years for the 100 Yen coins.

After WW2, perhaps the most important event for Japan which served to demostrate the end of their post war struggles, was the 1964 Olympics. To celebrate it, the 1000 Yen commemorative silver coin was minted. The design is very famous and beautiful, with a prominent mount Fuji. After the 1964 coin, more than 20 years passed without another crown-like silver commemorative, until in 1986 the 60th year of Hirohito's reign was to be celebrated. This gave birth to the 10000 Yen silver coin.

Past that and approaching the present day, various colored series and commems for "minor" events were minted but after Hirohito's 10000 Yen, I still haven't found a worthy successor in my book! I find the comparison between the old Yen and the 1964 coin particularly interesting to show the inflation that completely reshaped the value of the Yen. Similarly the 10000 Yen is also interesting as it shows, depending on the angle, either today's inflation or complete decorrelation between face and metal value.

Well, I hope you enjoy!

Thanks! I agree, that is one of the most beautiful designs they ever made!

Beautiful coins