Obverse

Reverse

5 Yen

5 Yen Coin (Showa era)

Japan · 1949-1958 (Specific year requires reading Japanese characters on reverse)

A brass coin featuring a central hole, rice ears and water motifs on the obverse, and text around the center hole on the reverse.

Country: Japan
Year: 1949-1958 (Specific year requires reading Japanese characters on reverse)
Denomination: 5 Yen
Metal: Brass (60-70% Copper, 40-30% Zinc)
Grade: Fine to Very Fine (moderate wear with pleasant original brass patina)

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 August 18, 2026More japan coins →

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Overview

A brass coin featuring a central hole, rice ears and water motifs on the obverse, and text around the center hole on the reverse.

Historical significance

Introduced in post-war Japan during the reconstruction period, the 5 Yen coin symbolizes agriculture, industry, and the fishing economy of the country.

Obverse (front)

Features a rice plant stalk on the left, a gear behind the central hole representing industry, and wavy horizontal lines at the bottom representing water/fishing.

Reverse (back)

Features the denomination characters in the center surrounded by 'Nipponkoku' (State of Japan) written vertically and horizontally around the central hole.

Estimated value

$0.10 - $2.00 depending on condition and specific year

What drives this coin's value

Condition, year of issue (Showa era date), and presence of mint lustre.

Grade assessment

Fine to Very Fine (moderate wear with pleasant original brass patina)

Mintage & rarity

High mintage, generally very common except for specific key years.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Counterfeits are extremely rare due to the low face value of the coin.

Notable varieties & errors

Early font variations and solid versus lined design variants in older issues.

Similar coins

Japanese 50 Yen coin (which is cupro-nickel and has a different design with a hole)

Care & preservation

Store in a dry environment to prevent further tarnishing of the brass. Handle by the edges or wear cotton gloves to avoid skin oils.

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