Obverse

Reverse

5 Yen

Japanese 5 Yen Coin

Japan · 1949-Present (Showa period year shown corresponds to Year 42, which is 1967)

A brass holed coin featuring a rice plant ear, gear, and water design representing agriculture and industry.

Country: Japan
Year: 1949-Present (Showa period year shown corresponds to Year 42, which is 1967)
Denomination: 5 Yen
Metal: Brass (60-70% Copper, 30-40% Zinc)

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 17, 2026More japan coins →

Explore Japanese 5 Yen Coin in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own coins.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Overview

A brass holed coin featuring a rice plant ear, gear, and water design representing agriculture and industry.

Historical significance

Introduced after World War II, the current design of the 5 Yen coin was first minted in 1948 (Showa 23) without the country name, and changed to include the country name in 1959. The holed design represents good luck and prosperity.

Obverse (front)

Features a rice plant growing out of water with a gear surrounding the central hole, and the denomination 'Go-En' (5 Yen) written in Japanese kanji below.

Reverse (back)

Features the country name 'Nihon' (Japan) in Japanese kanji, alongside the year of issue written in Japanese era years surrounding the central hole.

Estimated value

$0.05 - $0.50 in circulated condition

What drives this coin's value

Condition grade and key date years (such as early Showa years without the country name or low mintage years)

Grade assessment

Fine to Very Fine (moderate circulation wear with distinct lettering and motifs remaining)

Mintage & rarity

Common, massive mintage numbers produced annually depending on the specific year

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Generally not counterfeited due to low face value; check for proper brass composition and weight.

Notable varieties & errors

Showa 23 to Showa 33 varieties lack the Japanese characters for 'Japan' on the reverse side.

Similar coins

Other Japanese holed coins such as the 50 Yen or 5 Yen coins from different eras

Care & preservation

Store in a dry place to prevent natural brass tarnish. Handle by the edges or wear cotton gloves if collecting uncirculated specimens.

Other japan coins

See all

50 Yen Coin

Japan · Shōwa 54 (1979 CE)

50 Yen

Japanese 10 Yen Coin (Byodo-in Temple)

Japan · Dates vary, but design is standard for coins from 1959 onwards. The specific year is written in Japanese era format on the reverse.

10 Yen

50 Yen (Chrysanthemum)

Japan · 1974 (Showa Year 49)

50 Yen

Pachinko Token (Japanese Game Token)

Japan (Private Issue) · Late 20th Century (approx. 1970s - 1990s)

No face value (Token)

Japan 100 Yen Cherry Blossoms

Japan · 1967-Present (The specific year is located on the reverse side)

100 Japanese Yen

Japanese Pachislo Token (White Palace)

Japan, Gaming Industry · Late 20th to Early 21st Century

No face value (Game Token)