Obverse

Reverse

1 Yen

1 Yen Aluminum Coin

Japan · 1955-Present (Heisei / Showa eras)

A lightweight, silvery aluminum coin featuring a prominent numeral '1' on one side and a young tree sapling on the other.

Country: Japan
Year: 1955-Present (Heisei / Showa eras)
Denomination: 1 Yen
Metal: 100% Aluminum
Grade: Mint State / Uncirculated (bright luster with no noticeable wear)

This report is AI-generated and can be wrong. Always verify grade, authenticity, and value with a qualified dealer or certified grading service before buying, selling, or insuring.

Identified September 18, 2026More japan coins →

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Overview

A lightweight, silvery aluminum coin featuring a prominent numeral '1' on one side and a young tree sapling on the other.

Historical significance

Introduced in 1955 to replace the brass 1 yen coin, this modern aluminum issue reflects Japan's post-war economic recovery and lightweight coin production technology.

Obverse (front)

Features a large denomination numeral '1' in the center, surrounded by Japanese characters denoting the year of issue.

Reverse (back)

Features a young tree sapling, surrounded by the country name 'Nihon Koku' (State of Japan) at the top and the denomination '1 En' at the bottom.

Estimated value

$0.10 - $1.00 for circulated to uncirculated modern dates; older or uncirculated key dates may be worth slightly more.

What drives this coin's value

Condition, year of issue (Showa vs. Heisei dates), presence of mint luster, and rare error varieties.

Grade assessment

Mint State / Uncirculated (bright luster with no noticeable wear)

Mintage & rarity

Very high mintage across most years; common, except for specific low-mintage proof years or error variations.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Due to low face value and cheap aluminum composition, counterfeiting is extremely rare. Weight and dimensions are the best verification.

Notable varieties & errors

Various die errors and slight font variations across different calendar years.

Similar coins

Other Japanese aluminum minor coins like the 5 yen or 50 yen, though distinct in size and design.

Care & preservation

Store in a dry environment in a PVC-free coin flip. Avoid touching the aluminum surface with bare fingers to prevent corrosion from skin oils.

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