Japanese 1 Yen silver coin, Meiji Year 9
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
An 9 (Meiji Year 9)
This Japanese 1 Yen coin from the Meiji era is a classic example of modern Japanese numismatics, specifically the 'large' type design. The obverse features a central coiled dragon motif enclosed within a beaded circle, surrounded by the inscription '416 ONE YEN 900' and Japanese ideograms.
The reverse displays a decorative wreath composed of paulownia and chrysanthemum motifs encircling central Japanese ideograms. The coin is minted in silver, with a composition stated as approximately 900/1000 fineness. It features a reeded edge. The coin measures 38.6 mm in diameter and has a weight of 26.5 grams. The specimen is attributed to Meiji Year 9 (1876). The overall design reflects the transition toward standardized Western-style currency in Japan during the late 19th century.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Physical characteristics
- Weight
- 26.5 g
- Diameter
- 38.6 mm
- Material
- silver (approx. 900/1000)
Technical characteristics
- Edge
- reeded
- Denomination
- 1 Yen
Design
- Obverse
- Dragon in a beaded circle with ideograms and inscription '416 ONE YEN 900'
- Reverse
- Wreath of paulownia and chrysanthemum flowers around central ideograms
Identification
- Source note
- Described from a single auction-house listing published on Invaluable (reproduced with Invaluable's permission). Details apply to that one example; other examples of the type may differ, and the listing is supplementary evidence, not authentication.
Documentation checklist
- Denomination
- Research required
- Issue or mint date
- Recorded
- Material
- Recorded
- Weight
- Recorded
- Mint or printer
- Research required
- Mint or printer mark
- Research required
- Catalogue reference
- Research required
- Attached photograph (check rights)
- Recorded
Recorded means a field is present, not independently verified. Read its wording, supporting source and the entry’s confidence level.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.