Obverse

Reverse

5 Yen

5 Yen Coin

Japan · Heisei 9 (1997)

A brass-colored holed coin with Japanese characters on the obverse and rice, water, and gear motifs on the reverse.

Country: Japan
Year: Heisei 9 (1997)
Denomination: 5 Yen
Metal: Brass (70% copper, 30% zinc)
Grade: Uncirculated / Mint State

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 →

Explore 5 Yen Coin in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own coins.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Overview

A brass-colored holed coin with Japanese characters on the obverse and rice, water, and gear motifs on the reverse.

Historical significance

The 5-yen coin is known as a lucky coin in Japan due to its name 'Go-en', where 'en' can mean circle (referring to the hole) or coin, but 'go-en' also sounds like the Japanese word for good luck or fate. It represents Japan's modern economic stability and primary industries (agriculture, fishery, and industry).

Obverse (front)

Features the country name 'Nihon Koku' (Japan) and the year of issue (Heisei 9) surrounding a central circular hole.

Reverse (back)

Features a rice plant stalk growing out of water (representing agriculture) and a gear (representing industry), with the denomination '5 Yen' in Japanese kanji below.

Estimated value

$0.10 - $1.00

What drives this coin's value

Condition, grade, and specific year/mint run if dealing with key dates or proof issues.

Grade assessment

Uncirculated / Mint State

Mintage & rarity

Common

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Due to its low face value, counterfeiting is extremely rare. Check weight and dimensions if suspected.

Notable varieties & errors

Standard business strike with no major widespread errors for this specific year.

Similar coins

Other Japanese yen coins such as the 50 yen coin (which also features a hole, but has a cupronickel composition and floral design) or older Showa-era 5 yen coins.

Care & preservation

Store in a cool, dry place. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners to preserve the original brass finish and natural toning.

Other japan coins

See all

50 Yen Coin

Japan · Shōwa 54 (1979 CE)

50 Yen

Japanese 10 Yen Coin (Byodo-in Temple)

Japan · Dates vary, but design is standard for coins from 1959 onwards. The specific year is written in Japanese era format on the reverse.

10 Yen

Pachinko Token (Japanese Game Token)

Japan (Private Issue) · Late 20th Century (approx. 1970s - 1990s)

No face value (Token)

50 Yen (Chrysanthemum)

Japan · 1974 (Showa Year 49)