Obverse

Reverse

50 Sen (1/2 Yen)

50 Sen (Taisho Sunburst)

Japan (Empire of Japan) · 1912-1917 (Taisho Period)

A silver Japanese coin featuring a radiant sunburst design surrounded by cherry blossoms on one side, and a value wreath with the Imperial chrysanthemum on the other.

Country: Japan (Empire of Japan)
Year: 1912-1917 (Taisho Period)
Denomination: 50 Sen (1/2 Yen)
Metal: 0.720 Silver, 0.280 Copper
Grade: About Uncirculated to Mint State (AU/MS) based on crisp details and minimal 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 (empire of japan) coins →

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Overview

A silver Japanese coin featuring a radiant sunburst design surrounded by cherry blossoms on one side, and a value wreath with the Imperial chrysanthemum on the other.

Historical significance

Issued during the Taisho democracy era of Japan, these silver coins circulated widely during a period of rapid modernization, economic shifts, and World War I involvement.

Obverse (front)

Features a central sunburst motif surrounded by a ring of cherry blossoms, with Japanese characters and '50 SEN' along the outer rim.

Reverse (back)

Features the value in Japanese characters within a wreath tied with a ribbon, surmounted by the Imperial 16-petal Chrysanthemum seal at the bottom.

Estimated value

$15-$40 circulated, $50-$150+ in Mint State

What drives this coin's value

Overall grade, presence of original mint luster, and specific year of issue (regnal year date)

Grade assessment

About Uncirculated to Mint State (AU/MS) based on crisp details and minimal wear

Mintage & rarity

Varies by year, generally common to scarce depending on the specific regnal year

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Check weight, dimensions, and magnetic properties. Counterfeits may have mushy details or incorrect silver fineness.

Notable varieties & errors

Minor variations in die alignments and character strokes depending on the specific year of the Taisho era.

Similar coins

Earlier Meiji-era 50 Sen silver coins and later Showa-era silver issues

Care & preservation

Store in a cool, dry place inside inert Mylar or PVC-free flips. Never clean, scrub, or polish the coin to preserve its original numismatic surface and patina.

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