Obverse

Reverse

1 Yen

Japanese 1 Yen Aluminum Coin

Japan · Heisei 3 (1991)

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

Country: Japan
Year: Heisei 3 (1991)
Denomination: 1 Yen
Metal: 100% Aluminum
Grade: Mint State / Uncirculated (bright luster with minimal 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, silvery aluminum coin featuring a large numeral '1' on one side and a young sapling tree on the other.

Historical significance

Introduced in 1955, the aluminum 1-yen coin is one of the longest-running circulating aluminum coin designs in the world, representing post-war Japan's economic recovery and modernization.

Obverse (front)

Features a young sapling tree design surrounded by the issuing country '日本国' (Japan) at the top and the denomination '一円' (One Yen) at the bottom.

Reverse (back)

Features a large numeral '1' in the center with the Japanese year of issue '平成三年' (Heisei 3rd year / 1991) inscribed along the bottom rim.

Estimated value

$0.25 to $2.00 depending on condition (mostly face value or slightly more for uncirculated specimens)

What drives this coin's value

Condition / grade is the primary value factor. Modern dates are generally worth face value unless in pristine Mint State condition.

Grade assessment

Mint State / Uncirculated (bright luster with minimal handling marks)

Mintage & rarity

Very common (hundreds of millions minted annually in this era)

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Due to low face value and massive mintage, counterfeiting is virtually non-existent for modern dates like 1991.

Notable varieties & errors

No major errors or rare varieties are common for this specific year.

Similar coins

Other Japanese aluminum denomination coins such as the 5 or 10 yen (though different metals and designs), or older 1 yen coin series.

Care & preservation

Store in a dry environment in a protective coin flip or holder. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners or abrasive materials, as aluminum is soft and easily scratched.

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