Japanese 10 Yen Coin (Byōdō-in Temple)

Japan (Japanese Government) · 1951-Present (Showa, Heisei, and Reiwa eras)

A bronze-colored coin featuring the Phoenix Hall of the Byōdō-in temple on one side and the face value '10' surrounded by an evergreen wreath on the other.

Country: Japan (Japanese Government)
Year: 1951-Present (Showa, Heisei, and Reiwa eras)
Denomination: 10 Yen
Metal: 95% Copper, 4% Zinc, 1% Tin

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 (japanese government) coins →

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Overview

A bronze-colored coin featuring the Phoenix Hall of the Byōdō-in temple on one side and the face value '10' surrounded by an evergreen wreath on the other.

Historical significance

Introduced in 1951 to replace earlier brass issues, this iconic design depicts the Phoenix Hall of the Byōdō-in Buddhist temple in Uji, Kyoto, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a masterpiece of Heian-period architecture.

Obverse (front)

Features the Phoenix Hall of the Byōdō-in temple, surrounded by the country name '日本国' (Japan) at the top and the denomination '十円' (10 Yen) at the bottom, interspersed with foliage.

Reverse (back)

Features a large numeral '10' at the top, the Japanese era year characters below it, and an evergreen tree/laurel wreath tied with a ribbon at the bottom.

Estimated value

$0.10 to $2.00 depending on condition; key dates like early Showa years can be worth more.

What drives this coin's value

Condition, year of issue (key dates such as early Showa eras), and presence of mint luster.

Grade assessment

Extending to Extremely Fine to About Uncirculated with minor toning typical of circulated bronze coinage.

Mintage & rarity

Extremely common in circulation, with hundreds of millions minted in most years, though certain years (such as early Showa years) have lower mintages.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Counterfeits are extremely rare due to the low face value. Check weight (4.5g) and magnetic properties (bronze is non-magnetic).

Notable varieties & errors

Early versions (1951-1958) feature a reed edge (Goma-zumi), whereas later versions feature a plain edge.

Similar coins

Other Japanese denominations such as the 1 Yen or 5 Yen, or older Japanese 10 Yen brass coins from the Meiji/Taisho/early Showa eras.

Care & preservation

Store in a cool, dry place inside a PVC-free coin flip or holder. Avoid harsh cleaning or wiping to preserve original mint luster and avoid altering numismatic value.