Japanese 10 Yen Coin

Japan · Showa 51 (1976)

A bronze coin featuring the Phoenix Hall of Byodoin Temple on the obverse and a laurel wreath surrounding the denomination '10' on the reverse.

Country: Japan
Year: Showa 51 (1976)
Denomination: 10 Yen
Metal: Bronze (95% copper, 4% zinc, 1% tin)

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Identified September 18, 2026More japan coins →

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Overview

A bronze coin featuring the Phoenix Hall of Byodoin Temple on the obverse and a laurel wreath surrounding the denomination '10' on the reverse.

Historical significance

Issued during the Showa period, the 10 Yen coin is one of Japan's most widely circulated modern denomination coins, depicting the UNESCO World Heritage Byodoin Temple in Uji, Kyoto.

Obverse (front)

Features the Phoenix Hall (Hoo-do) of the Byodoin Temple, surrounded by the issuing country 'Nihon Koku' (State of Japan) in kanji characters.

Reverse (back)

Features a large numeral '10' with the year of issue written in Japanese kanji (Showa 51, corresponding to 1976) below it, framed by a continuous laurel wreath.

Estimated value

$1-$3 in circulated condition, up to $5-$10 in uncirculated condition

What drives this coin's value

Overall state of preservation, presence of original mint luster, and absence of environmental damage or cleaning marks

Grade assessment

Extremely Fine to About Uncirculated with minor wear on the highest points of the temple roof

Mintage & rarity

Common, hundreds of millions minted annually in this era

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Due to low face value relative to melting or fabrication costs, counterfeiting modern 10 yen circulating coins is exceedingly rare. Check weight and diameter if suspicious.

Notable varieties & errors

Occasional minor die cracks or repunched characters, though major errors are scarce for high-mintage dates

Similar coins

Japanese 1 Yen, 5 Yen, 50 Yen, and 100 Yen coins of the same era

Care & preservation

Store in a cool, dry place inside an archival-grade flip or holder. Avoid touching the metal directly with bare hands to prevent fingerprint toning and corrosion.