Obverse

Reverse

1 Yen

Japanese 1 Yen Aluminum Coin

Japan · Showa 47 (1972)

A lightweight aluminum coin featuring a large numeral '1' on one side and a young sapling tree on the other.

Country: Japan
Year: Showa 47 (1972)
Denomination: 1 Yen
Metal: 100% Aluminum
Grade: About Uncirculated (AU) / Mint State (MS) with minor handling marks

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 lightweight aluminum coin featuring a large numeral '1' on one side and a young sapling tree on the other.

Historical significance

Introduced in 1955, the modern 1 yen aluminum coin is a staple of Japan's post-war currency, representing the country's rapid economic recovery and stability.

Obverse (front)

Features a large prominent numeral '1' in the center with the Japanese year date 'Showa 47' (1972) inscribed along the bottom curve.

Reverse (back)

Features a young tree sapling design surrounded by the country name 'Nihonoku' (State of Japan) at the top and denomination '1 Yen' at the bottom.

Estimated value

$0.25 - $2.00 depending on condition

What drives this coin's value

Condition and original mint luster are the primary value drivers for modern Japanese aluminum coins.

Grade assessment

About Uncirculated (AU) / Mint State (MS) with minor handling marks

Mintage & rarity

High mintage, very common in circulated and uncirculated grades

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Due to its very low face value and cheap metal composition, counterfeiting this coin is virtually non-existent.

Notable varieties & errors

No major significant rare varieties for this specific year, though proof versions exist for collectors in mint sets.

Similar coins

Other post-war Japanese denominations such as the 5 yen or 10 yen brass/bronze coins.

Care & preservation

Store in a dry PVC-free coin flip or holder. Aluminum is very soft and easily scratched, so handle by the edges with clean cotton gloves.

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