Japanese Meiji Year 4 One Yen Silver Coin
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
Meiji Year 4 (1871)
This Japanese one yen silver coin represents a significant artifact from the early Meiji period, specifically dated to Meiji Year 4, which corresponds to 1871. Struck in 900 fine silver, this currency reflects the period's economic transition and modernization.
The coin features a detailed, coiled dragon at its center, a design characteristic of early modern Japanese coinage. Surrounding the central motif are Japanese characters reading 'Dai Nippon Meiji Yon-nen', denoting 'Great Japan, Meiji Year 4'. Additionally, the coin bears the inscription '416 ONE YEN 900', which serves as a technical indicator of its weight in grains and its silver purity. Measuring 4 centimeters in diameter and weighing 20 grams, the coin exhibits a soft, aged patina and subtle wear consistent with its circulation history.
It is a prime example of the western-style currency adopted during the Meiji Restoration, marking a departure from traditional monetary systems. The composition and design highlight the intersection of traditional Japanese artistic motifs, such as the dragon, with industrial-era standards for international monetary exchange.
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
- 20 grams
- Diameter
- 4 cm
- Material
- 900 fine silver
Technical characteristics
- Purity
- 900
- Denomination
- One Yen
- Weight standard
- 416 grains
Design
- Obverse
- Coiled dragon
- Inscriptions
- 大日本明治四年, 416 ONE YEN 900
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.