Obverse

Reverse

500 Yen

500 Yen (Heisei period)

Japan (Japan Mint) · 1989-2019 (Heisei Era)

A Japanese 500 Yen coin featuring Paulownia blossoms on the obverse and a large denomination with bamboo and mandarin orange decorations on the reverse.

Country: Japan (Japan Mint)
Year: 1989-2019 (Heisei Era)
Denomination: 500 Yen
Metal: Copper-Nickel (75% copper, 25% nickel)
Grade: About Uncirculated to 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 (japan mint) coins →

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Overview

A Japanese 500 Yen coin featuring Paulownia blossoms on the obverse and a large denomination with bamboo and mandarin orange decorations on the reverse.

Historical significance

Introduced to replace the 500 yen banknote, this high-denomination coin is widely used in daily Japanese commerce and vending machines, leading to various anti-counterfeiting redesigns over its history.

Obverse (front)

Features a depiction of paulownia flowers and leaves (Kirimon), surrounded by the issuing authority in Japanese text ('Nihon Koku' / Japan) and a bead-and-reel border.

Reverse (back)

Features a large numeral '500' with horizontal latent image lines, the year of issue in Japanese (e.g., Heisei era year), flanked by bamboo leaves on the left and mandarin orange branches on the right.

Estimated value

$4-$6 in circulated condition, up to $10 in uncirculated condition

What drives this coin's value

Condition, specific year of issue (Heisei year), and whether it is part of a special mint set or proof issue.

Grade assessment

About Uncirculated to Mint State

Mintage & rarity

Common, tens of millions minted annually depending on the specific year

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Check for correct weight, diameter, and magnetic properties. Modern versions include micro-lettering and latent images to prevent counterfeiting.

Notable varieties & errors

Proof issues for collectors and occasional minor die errors.

Similar coins

Earlier nickel-brass 500 yen coins or newer 500 yen bimetallic coins introduced in 2021.

Care & preservation

Store in a cool, dry place. Keep in a protective coin flip or holder to prevent toning, scratching, and fingerprints. Do not clean.

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Overview

Historical significance

Obverse (front)

Reverse (back)

Estimated value

What drives this coin's value

Grade assessment

Mintage & rarity

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Notable varieties & errors

Similar coins

Care & preservation

Other japan (japan mint) coins

Learn about 500 Yen (Heisei Period) in the encyclopedia