Obverse

Reverse

5 Yen

5 Yen (Hole Coin / Brass)

Japan · 1949 (Showa 24)

A brass coin featuring a center hole, with rice ears and horizontal lines on one side, and Japanese lettering and flowers around the center hole on the other.

Country: Japan
Year: 1949 (Showa 24)
Denomination: 5 Yen
Metal: Brass (60-70% copper, 30-40% zinc)

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 brass coin featuring a center hole, with rice ears and horizontal lines on one side, and Japanese lettering and flowers around the center hole on the other.

Historical significance

Issued during the post-WWII reconstruction period in Japan under the Showa era, representing modernization and agricultural recovery.

Obverse (front)

Features the Japanese characters for 'Japan' (Nihon) and the year 'Showa 24' (1949), accompanied by two small floral ornaments surrounding the central hole.

Reverse (back)

Features a rice plant stalk symbolizing agriculture, water lines below, and the denomination characters for '5 Yen' above the central hole.

Estimated value

$1-$5 in circulated condition, up to $15-$30 in uncirculated/Mint State condition.

What drives this coin's value

Overall condition, mint luster, and specific year of issue (earlier Showa years or error strikes command higher prices).

Grade assessment

Extremely Fine (XF) to About Uncirculated (AU) with minor surface toning and wear.

Mintage & rarity

High mintage, very common except for specific key dates in the series.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Due to low face value relative to counterfeiting costs, modern 5 yen coins are rarely counterfeited. Check weight and dimensions if suspicious.

Notable varieties & errors

Minor die varieties and font spacing differences exist across early Showa years.

Similar coins

Later issues of the 5 Yen coin (post-1959 design without the horizontal background lines on the reverse).

Care & preservation

Handle by the edges using clean cotton gloves. Store in a cool, dry environment in a PVC-free coin flip or capsule. Do not clean or polish.

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