Coin Identifier
Japan 10 Yen — obverse
Obverse
Japan 10 Yen — reverse
Reverse
10 Yen

Japan 10 Yen

Japan · 1961 (Showa 36)

A bronze coin featuring the Byodoin Phoenix Hall on one side and a large denomination with a laurel wreath on the other.

Country
Japan
Year
1961 (Showa 36)
Denomination
10 Yen
Metal
Bronze (95% copper, 4% zinc, 1% tin)
Grade
Extremely Fine to About Uncirculated (AU)

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.

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Overview

A bronze coin featuring the Byodoin Phoenix Hall on one side and a large denomination with a laurel wreath on the other.

Historical significance

Issued during Japan's post-war economic miracle under the Showa era, reflecting the country's rapid modernization and recovery.

Obverse (front)

Features the Byodoin Phoenix Hall (a Buddhist temple in Uji, Kyoto) surrounded by Japanese text '日本国' (Japan) and '十円' (10 Yen).

Reverse (back)

Features a large numeral '10' surrounded by an open laurel wreath, with the date '昭和三十六年' (Showa year 36 / 1961) below the denomination.

Estimated value

$1 - $3 in circulated condition, up to $10 - $25 in uncirculated (Mint State) condition

What drives this coin's value

Condition and preservation of original mint luster are the primary value drivers for modern Japanese bronze coinage.

Grade assessment

Extremely Fine to About Uncirculated (AU)

Mintage & rarity

High mintage, extremely common in circulated and uncirculated grades

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Due to low face value and massive mintage, counterfeiting is virtually non-existent for this common date.

Notable varieties & errors

Look for rare proof issues or minor die variations, though none are significantly valuable for the 1961 regular strike.

Similar coins

Other Showa-era Japanese 10 Yen bronze coins from different years, distinguishable only by the Japanese year characters on the reverse.

Care & preservation

Store in a cool, dry place. Avoid cleaning or touching the surface with bare hands to preserve its original bronze luster and value.