Japan 1909 (M42) 20 yen
This specimen was lot 50050 in Stack's Bowers Hong Kong auction (Hong Kong, April 2021), where it sold for $19,200. The catalog description[1] noted,
"The Key Date for this Late Meiji 20 Yen Type JAPAN. 20 Yen, Year 42 (1909). Osaka Mint. Mutsuhito (Meiji). PCGS MS-64 Gold Shield. A RARE date for this late Meiji type, due in large part because the Ministry of Finance hoard contained a mere eleven pieces when it was dispersed in 2005. One of the nicer examples seen, this near-Gem showcases beaming luster in the fields and only a superficial luster graze here and there. Tied for the finest certified by PCGS, it is sure to satisfy the completionist who has been patiently waiting for an example of the date to add to their collection. From the Pinnacle Collection."
This type was struck 1897-1912 during the Meiji era in considerable numbers but remains scarce today with some dates rare. It seems likely that most of the issue remained in government hands as backing for currency until the inflation of World War One ended any likelihood of circulating the coin.
Recorded mintage: 557,882.
Specification: 16.67 g, 0.900 fine gold, 28.78 mm diameter.
Catalog reference: Fr-50; KM-Y34; JNDA-01-6.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1901-2000, 47th 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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