How to Identify the Japanese Meiji Gold 20 Yen

What It Is

Issued during the Meiji era, the gold 20 yen was one of Japan's highest-denomination gold coins, produced as part of the country's modernized currency system following Western monetary conventions. Production spanned different weight standards over the era's decades, reflecting a currency reform partway through the period that adjusted the gold content of Japan's coinage. As the top of the era's gold coin lineup, it represented Japan's commitment to a credible, internationally comparable gold standard currency.

Obverse Design

The obverse typically features a sunburst pattern with rays radiating outward, paired with the denomination expressed in Japanese characters and numerals, reflecting the rising-sun imagery closely associated with Japan's national identity.

Reverse Design

The reverse displays the Imperial chrysanthemum crest at the top, accompanied by paulownia flower sprays and, on many issues, a dragon design, arranged around the coin's field in a layout distinct from the coin's obverse sunburst motif.

Size, Weight & Metal

Later Meiji-era 20 yen gold coins, struck after the currency reform that reduced the gold standard weight, measure approximately 28.8mm in diameter and weigh about 16.66 grams, struck in .900 fine gold. Earlier pre-reform issues from the beginning of the Meiji period were struck to a different, heavier weight standard, so size and weight can vary depending on the specific dated series.

Mint Marks and Where to Find Them

Look for small identifying marks or engraver initials near the base of the design elements, along with the clearly stated Japanese era date (expressed in the Japanese imperial year-counting system rather than the Western calendar), which is essential for pinpointing exactly which sub-series and weight standard a specific coin belongs to.

Telling It Apart from Similar Coins

Because Meiji gold coinage was issued in multiple denominations (5, 10, and 20 yen) sharing a similar overall design language, careful attention to the denomination characters and the coin's specific diameter and weight is necessary to confirm which value is in hand. Comparing the coin against known pre-reform and post-reform weight standards also helps identify which historical sub-type a given example represents.

Judging Condition at a Glance

Examine the fine rays of the sunburst and the delicate petals of the paulownia flowers and chrysanthemum crest for flatness, since these intricate raised elements are the first points to show wear. Sharp, well-defined lettering and numerals around the rim indicate a higher-grade example.

Authenticity Red Flags

As a historically significant and valuable gold denomination, this coin has been targeted by counterfeiters over the years. Watch for coins with incorrect weight or diameter for the specific pre- or post-reform standard, muddled chrysanthemum or dragon details, an unnatural gold color, or a date expressed in a format inconsistent with genuine Meiji-era numbering conventions.