Japanese 10 Yen Coin (Byodoin Temple)

Japan (Japanese Government) · 1964 (Showa 39)

A bronze-colored Japanese coin featuring the Phoenix Hall of the Byodoin Temple on one side and a large numeral 10 surrounded by laurel branches on the other.

Country: Japan (Japanese Government)
Year: 1964 (Showa 39)
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 14, 2026More japan (japanese government) coins →

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At a glance

Coin: Japanese 10 Yen Coin (Byodoin Temple)
Country: Japan (Japanese Government)
Year: 1964 (Showa 39)
Denomination: 10 Yen
Metal: 95% Copper, 4% Zinc, 1% Tin
Grade: About Uncirculated (AU) to Mint State (MS) with noticeable natural reddish-brown toning and minimal wear on the high points of the temple design.
Mint mark: None (Minted in Osaka, Japan)
Edge: Plain (smooth edge for years prior to 1959, though reeded edges exist for specific commemorative or earlier types; standard post-1959 circulation issues typically feature plain edges or occasionally reeded variants depending on the exact sub-series, though most modern 10 yen are plain-edged with a groove pattern or plain)
Weight / Ø: 4.5 grams, 23.5 mm diameter
Mintage: Common circulation coin; high mintage numbers in the hundreds of millions for this period.
Identified: September 14, 2026

Overview

A bronze-colored Japanese coin featuring the Phoenix Hall of the Byodoin Temple on one side and a large numeral 10 surrounded by laurel branches on the other.

Historical significance

Introduced in 1951, the 10 Yen coin is one of Japan's staple circulating denominations. The Phoenix Hall depicted on the coin is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Uji, Kyoto Prefecture, representing classic Heian-period Buddhist architecture.

Obverse (front)

Features an image of the Phoenix Hall (Ho-odo) of the Byodoin Temple in Uji, surrounded by the country name 'Nihon' (Japan) at the top and the denomination '10 Yen' in kanji at the bottom.

Reverse (back)

Features a large numeral '10' at the top, flanked by evergreen laurel branches tied with a ribbon at the bottom, and the Japanese era date 'Showa 39th year' (1964) written across the center.

Estimated value

$0.10 - $1.00 in circulated condition

What drives this coin's value

Condition, degree of original red copper luster, and freedom from environmental damage or corrosion.

Grade assessment

About Uncirculated (AU) to Mint State (MS) with noticeable natural reddish-brown toning and minimal wear on the high points of the temple design.

Mintage & rarity

Common circulation coin; high mintage numbers in the hundreds of millions for this period.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Counterfeiting 10 yen coins is extremely rare due to their low face value. Check weight and dimensions against official specifications if suspicious.

Notable varieties & errors

Occasional minor die cracks or repunched characters, but primarily collected as a standard date run.

Similar coins

Other Japanese bronze and brass denomination coins like the 5 Yen or modern 50/100 Yen pieces, though easily distinguished by size and design.

Care & preservation

Store in a cool, dry place in a 2x2 coin flip or a PVC-free coin holder. Avoid harsh chemical cleaning to preserve its natural bronze patina and avoid damaging any original mint luster.