Japan 1885 (M18) yen
This type, roughly equal to a silver dollar, was struck 1874-87 and is rather scarce compared to later issues of 1886-1912. The last silver yen was struck in 1917. 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." This specimen was lot 75386 in Stack's Bowers Collectors Choice sale (Costa Mesa, CA, September 2023), where it sold for $264. The catalog description[1] noted, "JAPAN. Yen, Year 18 (1885). Osaka Mint. Mutsuhito (Meiji). PCGS AU-55. Virtually complete satin luster and generally sharp striking detail confirm this coin as a Choice AU Yen. Lightly toned around the rims, rich magenta coloration produces eye appeal to spare. Sure to have no difficulty finding its way into a high grade Japanese set comprised of careful selections."
Recorded mintage: 4,296,620.
Specification: 26.96 g, 0.900 fine silver, .780 troy oz ASW, 38.6 mm diameter.
Catalog reference: KM-YA25.2; JNDA-01-10; JC-09-10-1.
- 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.
- [1]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, September 2023 World Collectors Choice Online Auction - Ancient & World Coins, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers Galleries, Inc., 2023.
Link to: