Coin Identifier
Japanese 1 Yen Aluminum Coin — obverse
Obverse
Japanese 1 Yen Aluminum Coin — reverse
Reverse
1 Yen

Japanese 1 Yen Aluminum Coin

Japan · 1993 (Heisei Year 5)

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

Country
Japan
Year
1993 (Heisei Year 5)
Denomination
1 Yen
Metal
100% Aluminum

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

Historical significance

Issued by the government of Japan as part of the modern yen currency system, the 1-yen aluminum coin has been minted since 1955 and is notable for being so light that it can float on water due to surface tension.

Obverse (front)

Features a large numeral '1' in the center surrounded by a partial inner circle, with Japanese kanji indicating the year of issue (Heisei 5, or 1993) along the bottom rim.

Reverse (back)

Features a young sapling tree design with Japanese text reading 'Nippon Koku' (State of Japan) and '1 Yen' in kanji.

Estimated value

$0.01 - $0.25 (Face value to nominal collector value in circulated condition)

What drives this coin's value

Condition and specific issue year (key dates like 2011/Heisei 23 or 2014/Heisei 26 have very low mintages for collectors)

Grade assessment

Extremely Fine to About Uncirculated (Minor surface marks and slight wear from circulation, but details remain sharp)

Mintage & rarity

Common (millions minted annually during the Heisei era)

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Due to its very low face value and cheap metal composition, counterfeiting is virtually nonexistent. The coin is extremely light and non-magnetic.

Notable varieties & errors

Occasional minor die cracks or aluminum alloy mixing anomalies, but generally standard business strikes with little premium for common years.

Similar coins

Other aluminum minor coins from Asian or European nations, though the distinct Japanese kanji and sapling design easily distinguish it.

Care & preservation

Store in a dry environment. Aluminum is soft and easily scratched, so avoid abrasive cleaners and store in individual flips or holders.

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