The "Aureus Magnus" series was produced by a private German mint, not the federal government — these pieces occupy an awkward category in numismatics, sold as commemorative medallic issues timed to the Tokyo Games but carrying no legal tender status in West Germany. The 1964 Tokyo Olympics marked Japan's formal re-entry into the international community, the first Games held in Asia, arriving just nineteen years after Hiroshima.
At .980 fine, the gold content slightly exceeds standard ducat fineness of .986 — close enough to invoke the denomination by tradition, not by law.
The "Aureus Magnus" series was produced by a private German mint, not the federal government — these pieces occupy an awkward category in numismatics, sold as commemorative medallic issues timed to the Tokyo Games but carrying no legal tender status in West Germany. The 1964 Tokyo Olympics marked Japan's formal re-entry into the international community, the first Games held in Asia, arriving just nineteen years after Hiroshima.
At .980 fine, the gold content slightly exceeds standard ducat fineness of .986 — close enough to invoke the denomination by tradition, not by law.