Obverse

Reverse

5 Yen

Japan 5 Yen

Japan · Showa 48 (1973)

A brass-colored holed coin depicting a rice ear, gear, and water on the obverse, and text with floral sprouts on the reverse.

Country: Japan
Year: Showa 48 (1973)
Denomination: 5 Yen
Metal: Brass (65% copper, 35% zinc)
Grade: Fine to Very Fine (circulated with minor surface toning and wear on high points)

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-colored holed coin depicting a rice ear, gear, and water on the obverse, and text with floral sprouts on the reverse.

Historical significance

Introduced in the post-WWII era, the 5 Yen coin is a staple of Japanese currency, representing agriculture, industry, and fisheries, which were the key pillars of the post-war Japanese economy.

Obverse (front)

Features a rice ear (representing agriculture), a gear behind the central hole (representing industry), and horizontal lines at the bottom (representing fisheries/water). Below is the denomination in kanji (五円 - 5 Yen).

Reverse (back)

Features the country name (日本国 - Japan) and the year of issue in Japanese era format (Showa 48, which corresponds to 1973) separated by small sprouts.

Estimated value

$0.50 - $2.00 in circulated condition, up to $5 in uncirculated condition

What drives this coin's value

Condition, year of issue (older Showa years or specific rare mint years can command premiums), and presence of mint luster

Grade assessment

Fine to Very Fine (circulated with minor surface toning and wear on high points)

Mintage & rarity

Common, high mintage for the regular issue years

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Counterfeiting 5 Yen coins is rare due to their low face value, but look for proper weight, composition, and crisp details around the central hole.

Notable varieties & errors

Minor font or spacing variations across different years, though no major key errors dominate this specific year series.

Similar coins

Other Japanese holed coins such as the 50 Yen or 5 Yen coins from different Showa/Heisei years

Care & preservation

Store in a cool, dry environment in a PVC-free coin flip or holder. Avoid cleaning to preserve its original surface and value.

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