Japan 1909 (M42) 50 sen

Steve Album sale 54, lot 3616

This specimen was lot 3616 in Steve Album Auction 54 (Santa Rosa, CA, January 2026), where it sold for $75. The catalog description^[1] noted, "JAPAN: Meiji, 1868-1912, AR 50 sen, year 42 (1909), Y-31, beautifully toned, old green PCGS holder, PCGS graded MS65." This type, reduced in weight from KM Y25, was struck in large numbers 1906-12. It is common, although the 1902 and 1912 are slightly scarce. This module was used until 1917.

Recorded mintage: 21,998,600.

Specification: 10.1 g, 0.800 fine silver, 27.27 mm diameter, reeded edge.

Catalog reference: KM Y31.

Source:

• The Catalog of Japanese Coins and Banknotes, Tokyo: JNDA (Japanese Numismatic Dealers Assn.), 2014.
• Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1901-2000, 47th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
• ^[1]Album, Stephen, Joseph Lang, Paul Montz, Michael Barry and Hanbing Feng, Auction 54, featuring selections from the Kenneth A. Bovenkamp Collection of Ottoman Coins, Santa Rosa, CA: Stephen Album Rare Coins, Inc., 2025.

Link to:

• 1907 50 sen
• 1909 10 sen
• 1909 10 yen
• 1909 20 yen
• 1912 (M45) 50 sen
• 1912 (T1) 50 sen
• Coins and currency dated 1909