New coins and medals – 150th anniversary of Japan modern currency system

Japan Mint unveiled two new coins and a medal that commemorate the 150th anniversary of the japanese modern currency system. For the first time in history, Japan Mint has produced a ¼ oz gold coin.

Gold 5 000 yen coin

On the obverse, the coin bears the character “圓 (yen),” designed for gold coins issued in 1871, with a chrysanthemum. On the reverse, the design combines those of the current regular coins (six coins), i.e., a paulownia, cherry blossom, chrysanthemum, the Byodoin Phoenix Hall, rice ears, and sapling.

Coin specifications

Denomination 5,000 yen

Composition Pure gold（99.9%)

Weight: 7.8g

Diameter: 20.0 mm

Mintage: 20 000 coins

Issuing date: December 2021

NB: features Helical ridges

1 000 yen silver commemorative coin

On the obverse, the coin bears the character “圓 (yen),” designed for gold coins issued in 1871, with a chrysanthemum. On the reverse, the design combines those of the current regular coins (six coins), i.e., a paulownia, cherry blossom, chrysanthemum, the Byodoin Phoenix Hall, rice ears, and sapling.

Coin specifications

Denomination 1,000 yen

Composition Pure silver（99.9%)

Weight 31.1 g

Diameter 40.0 mm

Mintage: 50 000 sets

Issuing date: December 2021

NB: features Helical ridges, etc.

Commemorative Silver Medal 

On the obverse, the design shows the obverses of the Commemorative Coins for the 150th Anniversary of Modern Currency System. On the reverse, the design shows the reverse of the Commemorative Coins for the 150th Anniversary of Modern Currency System.

Coin specifications

Material: Pure Silver (99.9%, with Fineness Certification)

Weight Approx. 160 g

Diameter 60 mm

Mintage: 3 000 medals

Date of Issue: December 2021

NB: features Oxidized silver finish

Sources: JAPAN MINT and NUMISMAG.