Japan 1918 (T7) 20 yen
This specimen was lot 1795 in SINCONA Auction 97 (Zürich, May 2025), where it sold for 1,500 CHF (about US$2,176 including buyers' fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"JAPAN, Yoshihito (Taisho), 1912-1926. 20 Yen Jahr 7 (1918), Osaka. FDC. (empire of Japan, Yoshohito, 1912-26, twenty yen of the year 7, Osaka mint. Mint State.)"
This type was struck 1913-20 during the early years of the Taisho emperor. 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: 3,118,647.
Specifications: 16.66 g, 0.900 fine gold, 28.78 mm diameter, reeded edge, this specimen 16.65 g.
Catalog reference: JNDA 01-6, JC 09-6, KM Y40.2, Fr-53.
- 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]Richter, Jurg, SINCONA Auction 97: World and Swiss Coins and Medals, SINCONA Bullion Auction, Zürich: SINCONA AG, 2025.
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