Obverse

Reverse

1 Yen

Japanese 1 Yen Aluminum Coin

Japan (Japan Mint) · Heisei 6 (1994)

A lightweight, silvery aluminum coin featuring a large numeral 1 on one side and a stylized sapling on the other.

Country: Japan (Japan Mint)
Year: Heisei 6 (1994)
Denomination: 1 Yen
Metal: 100% Aluminum
Grade: Mint State / Uncirculated (bright luster with no apparent wear from circulation)

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 lightweight, silvery aluminum coin featuring a large numeral 1 on one side and a stylized sapling on the other.

Historical significance

First introduced in 1955, the aluminum 1 yen coin is one of Japan's longest-running modern coin designs. Because aluminum is so lightweight, these coins are famous for being able to float on water if placed carefully.

Obverse (front)

Features a large numeral '1' in the center with Japanese characters below indicating the year of issue (Heisei 6 / 1994).

Reverse (back)

Features a young tree sapling symbolizing growth, surrounded by the country name 'Nippon-koku' (State of Japan) at the top and the denomination '1 Yen' at the bottom.

Estimated value

$0.50 to $2.00 in uncirculated condition, face value ($0.01 USD) if heavily circulated.

What drives this coin's value

Condition/grade is the primary factor. Uncirculated and proof issues command small collector premiums, while circulated examples are worth face value.

Grade assessment

Mint State / Uncirculated (bright luster with no apparent wear from circulation)

Mintage & rarity

High mintage, extremely common. Heisei 6 (1994) had a large production run and is readily available.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Due to its very low face value and cheap metal composition, counterfeiting modern 1 yen aluminum coins is virtually nonexistent.

Notable varieties & errors

Proof versions are issued in mint sets. Various minor die polish varieties exist, but none command significant premiums for standard circulation dates.

Similar coins

Other Japanese aluminum denomination coins such as the 5 yen or 50 yen, though the design and size of the 1 yen are distinct.

Care & preservation

Store in a dry environment in PVC-free flips or holders. Aluminum is a soft metal and scratches easily; handle by the edges with cotton gloves.

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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 Japanese 1 Yen Aluminum Coin in the encyclopedia