Japan 1882 (M15) 1/2 sen

from the Mountain Groan Collection

This type, roughly equal to a half cent, was struck 1877-88 and is the last of the denomination. This is a somewhat better date. Prior to the opening of Japan in the 1850's and 1860's, Japanese coins were a mix of Chinese-style cast copper cash, silver rectangular "bu" and rare, gold "oban."

Recorded mintage: 26,458,976.

Specification: 3.56 g, copper, 22.2 mm diameter.

Catalog reference: KM Y16.2.

Source:

• 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.

Link to:

• 1874 ½ sen
• 1881 yen
• 1881 2 sen
• 1882 sen
• 1882 yen
• 1885 ½ sen
• Coins and currency dated 1882
• return to coins of Japan