Obverse

Reverse

10 Yen

Japanese 10 Yen Coin

Japan · 1969 (Showa 44)

A bronze-colored Japanese 10 yen coin featuring the Phoenix Hall of Byodoin Temple on one side and the denomination '10' surrounded by an evergreen laurel wreath on the other.

Country: Japan
Year: 1969 (Showa 44)
Denomination: 10 Yen
Metal: 95% copper, 3% zinc, 2% 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 August 18, 2026More japan coins →

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Overview

A bronze-colored Japanese 10 yen coin featuring the Phoenix Hall of Byodoin Temple on one side and the denomination '10' surrounded by an evergreen laurel wreath on the other.

Historical significance

Introduced in 1951, the 10 Yen coin is one of Japan's most widely circulated denominations. The Byodoin Temple depicted on the coin is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Uji, Kyoto, famous for its majestic Phoenix Hall.

Obverse (front)

Features the Phoenix Hall (Ho-odo) of the Byodoin Temple in Kyoto, surrounded by the country name 'Nihon Koku' (State of Japan) in Japanese kanji at the top and the denomination '10' in kanji at the bottom.

Reverse (back)

Features a large numeral '10' at the top center, flanked by an evergreen laurel wreath tied with a ribbon at the bottom, with the Japanese date 'Showa 44 Year' (1969) written horizontally across the middle.

Estimated value

$0.10 to $0.50 in circulated condition

What drives this coin's value

Condition grade, presence of mint luster, and key dates (though Showa 44 is a common year)

Grade assessment

Fine to Very Fine (moderate circulation wear with distinct details still visible)

Mintage & rarity

High mintage, extremely common in circulation

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Counterfeiting standard circulating 10 yen coins is extremely rare due to their low face value. Check for correct weight (4.5g) and non-magnetic copper composition.

Notable varieties & errors

No major rare varieties known for the 1969 issue, aside from standard mint error strikes such as off-center or clipped planchets.

Similar coins

Other Japanese yen denominations, specifically the 5 yen and 50 yen coins, though they differ significantly in size, color, and central hole presence.

Care & preservation

Handle by the edges with clean fingers or cotton gloves. Store in a cool, dry environment away from PVC plastic flips to prevent environmental damage or verdigris.

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