Japan 1916 (T5) 20 yen
This specimen was lot 31238 in Heritage sale 3064 (Chicago, April 2018), where it sold for $2,280. The catalog description[1] noted, "Taisho gold 20 Yen Year 5 (1916) MS65+ NGC. A veritable Gem example of this radiant sun issue with outstanding luster that caresses both sides and deeply impressed definition due to an exacting strike. Given the coveted plus designation for superior technical quality, and highly worthy of that distinction." This type was struck during the Taisho era in considerable numbers but remains scarce today with some dates rare. The type was terminated in 1920. 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: 2,376,641.
Specification: 16.66 g, 0.900 fine gold, .482 troy oz AGW
Catalog reference: Fr-53; KM-Y40.2.
- 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.
- 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.
- [1]Cristiano Bierrenbach and Warren Tucker, Heritage World Coin Auction 3064, featuring the Doug Robins Collection of Canadian Tokens, Dallas, TX: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2018.
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