Japan 1880 (M13) 2 yen
This specimen was lot 50076 in Stack's Bowers Hong Kong auction (Hong Kong, April 2021), where it sold for $114,000. The catalog description[1] noted,
"Extremely Rare 2 Yen Struck During Meiji's 13th Year. JAPAN. 2 Yen, Year 13 (1880). Osaka Mint. Mutsuhito (Meiji). PCGS Genuine--Damage, Unc Details. Struck in part (or possibly in its entirety) for presentation, the low-mintage issues of 1880 remain some of the most sought after coins in Japanese numismatics. Considering that the 2 Yen has the smallest recorded mintage of all the gold denominations makes it even more desirable. Clearly specially produced, this coin showcases ultra-smooth fields that are delicately reflective, while the designs display pleasing contrast-producing frost. While subtle, pale rose coloration adds additional character. Although difficult to see without the aid of magnification, several thin scratches appear in the field just to the left of the dragon's mouth. While trivial in the context of this important rarity, it explains why PCGS decided to not assign a numeric grade. That said, this attractive albeit imperfect example should allow a number of collectors to afford a rarity that would otherwise remain forever out of reach. From the Pinnacle Collection."
This type was struck 1874-80 and 1892 but all the dates are rare. Collectors desiring a two yen must content themselves with Y10, struck 1870 only.
Recorded mintage: 87.
Specification: 3.33 g, 0.900 fine gold, 16.97 mm diameter.
Catalog reference: Fr-48; KM-Y10; JNDA-01-4a.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- The Catalog of Japanese Coins and Banknotes, Tokyo: JNDA (Japanese Numismatic Dealers Assn.), 2014.
- Friedberg, Arthur L. and Ira S. Friedberg, Gold Coins of the World, From Ancient Times to the Present, 9th ed., Clifton, NJ: Coin and Currency Institute, 2017.
- [1]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, The April 2021 Hong Kong Auction, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers LLC, 2021.
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