Catalog
| Issuer | Japan |
|---|---|
| Year | 1897-1910 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 10 Yen (10 JPY) |
| Currency | Yen (1871-date) |
| Composition | Gold (.900) |
| Weight | 8.33 g |
| Diameter | 21.21 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | Y#33, JNDA#01-7 |
| Obverse description | Chrysanthemum Flower (Coat of Arms & Emperor`s Royal Seal) Branches of Paulownia Flower (Heart shaped leaf) and Chrysanthemum Flower on either side of the value |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | |
| Obverse lettering |
十 圓 (Translation: 10 Yen) |
| Reverse description | Radiant sun in flower cartouche surrounded by text, separated by little Paulownia Flower Seals. |
| Reverse script | |
| Reverse lettering |
年 二 十 四 治 明 · 本 日 大 · 圓 十 · (Translation: Great Japan · Year 42 of Meiji · 10 yen ·) |
| Edge | Reeded |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
30 (1897) - 年十三治明 - 2 422 146 31 (1898) - 年一十三治明 - 3 176 134 32 (1899) - 年二十三治明 - 1 743 006 33 (1900) - 年三十三治明 - 1 114 776 34 (1901) - 年四十三治明 - 1 654 682 35 (1902) - 年五十三治明 - 3 023 940 36 (1903) - 年六十三治明 - 2 902 184 37 (1904) - 年七十三治明 - 724 548 40 (1907) - 年十四治明 - 157 684 41 (1908) - 年一十四治明 - 1 160 674 42 (1909) - 年二十四治明 - 2 165 660 43 (1910) - 年三十四治明 - 8 982 |
| Numisquare ID | 1000362270 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: The 10 Yen Meiji gold coin, issued from 1897 to 1910, signifies a pivotal era under Emperor Meiji (Mutsuhito). Following the Meiji Restoration, Japan rapidly modernized, emerging as a significant global power. This coin series coincided with Japan's formal adoption of the gold standard in 1897, a crucial step. It aligned the nation's monetary system with Western economic powers, facilitating international trade and fostering financial stability.
Artistry: The 10 Yen Meiji coin's design expertly blends traditional Japanese symbolism with Western numismatic standards. While specific engravers are not typically named, the Imperial Mint executed the designs. The obverse features a powerful, sinuous dragon, a potent symbol of imperial authority and good fortune, encircled by the denomination and "Dai Nippon." The reverse displays the sacred Yata no Kagami (mirror), one of the Imperial Regalia, radiating within a sunburst, crowned by the Imperial Chrysanthemum Seal and the Meiji regnal year.
Technical/Grading: Struck in .900 fine gold, this coin generally exhibits excellent strike quality, reflecting the modern capabilities of the Imperial Mint. For grading, key high-points to examine for wear on the obverse include the intricate scales, head, and whiskers of the dragon. On the reverse, critical areas are the central rays of the sunburst, the Sacred Mirror's details, and the delicate petals of the Chrysanthemum Seal. Sharpness of the reeded edge is also an important indicator of preservation. Mint luster is often well-preserved on uncirculated examples.