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1 Trade Dollar - Meiji
| Issuer | Osaka Mint |
|---|---|
| Year | 1875-1877 |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | 1 Trade Dollar (105⁄104 JPY) |
| Currency | Log in to see details |
| Composition | Log in to see details |
| Weight | Log in to see details |
| Diameter | Log in to see details |
| Thickness | Log in to see details |
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| Obverse description | Central field features a boldly engraved imperial dragon in high relief, depicted in dynamic coiling posture with detailed scales, claws, and flaming mane, rendered in the classical East Asian style. The dragon is contained within an inner beaded circle. The upper arc of the coin bears a Japanese legend in kanji reading 大日本 and the Meiji era date, flanked by small raised dots serving as separators. The outer Latin legend encircling the lower portion reads '420 GRAINS. TRADE DOLLAR. 900 FINE', providing weight and fineness specifications for international trade purposes. The entire design is bounded by a prominent outer dentilated border. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Log in to see details |
| Obverse lettering | 大日本 明治九年 · 420 GRAINS. TRADE DOLLAR. 900 FINE · |
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| Additional information |
Japan's Trade Dollar was struck specifically to compete with the Mexican peso and other silver trade coins dominating commerce across East and Southeast Asia. The Osaka Mint had only opened in 1871 with British technical assistance — machinery, assayers, and the chief engraver all imported — and the Trade Dollar was among its most ambitious early undertakings. Production ran just three years before the type was abandoned, as Japanese merchants and foreign trading houses alike continued preferring the entrenched Mexican coin.
The series never gained meaningful traction in the ports it was designed to serve.