The Meiji Empire Coinage
By: Gil Kissling
Many countries across the world have minted interesting coins. One of the most interesting, in my opinion, being the Japanese-Meiji Empire coins. These coins were produced from 1868-1912 and are remembered for the distinct intertwining serpent pictured on the obverse of the coin. The Meiji currency was initiated just before the Meiji Civil War in 1868 which brought back an imperial rule to Japan under Emperor Meiji. The new monetary system was based on the Japanese yen but split into subsidiary units called sen and rin. One sen equaled exactly one 1/100th of a yen, whereas a rin was 1/1000th of a yen.
The one yen coin may be the most iconic of the series. The obverse of the coin contains a dragon inside a beaded circle. Outside the circle the date and legends which read, “Great Japan,” “Year X of Meiji,” and “One yen” can be found. On the reverse is the emperor’s coat of arms, his seal, and the coin’s denomination. The coat of arms consists of the branches of the paulownia flower and a chrysanthemum on either side of the value. The yen has a reeded edge, consisting of 198 ridges on one side. However, the opposite side contains 217 ridges, which is unusual for a coin. The coin was designed and engraved by the Japanese antiques artist Kano Natsuo. These coins reach a surprising diameter of 38.6mm, and weigh about 26.96 grams. They were made with 90 percent silver, making them valuable for collectors as well as silver stackers. The mint that produced these iconic coins is based in Osaka, Japan which boasts 300 flowering cherry trees that have become a major tourist attraction.
Sen coins are the next denomination, the smallest being the ½ sen. The sen coins were a mix of compositions, the lower denominations were made of copper like the rin. However, the higher denominations were made of 90 percent silver. The ½ sen were minted in Osaka like the yen, and were made of copper. It weighs 3.56 grams, and has a diameter of 22.2mm. Its rim width is about 1.3mm and the edge is smooth. The obverse contains an intertwined dragon inside a beaded circle. Outside the beaded circle are the legend and the denomination. The obverse has Japanese symbols which translate to something like: “Great Japan, Year 9 of Meiji.” The obverse contains an image of the emperor’s seal, the branches of the paulownia flower and a chrysanthemum flower. In between the lavish array of Japanese flowers lies the denomination and another inscription that translates to: “200 pieces for one yen.” Interestingly, the 25th year sen coin was actually struck for the “Worlds Colombian Exposition,” held in Chicago in 1893.
The rin is the smallest denominational type, made out of copper and only 15.75mm in diameter. It has a plain edge. The obverse of the 1870 pattern has a sun with its rays extending to the edges of the coin, over the rays on the right side is the denomination. The reverse has a chrysanthemum flower surrounded by the phrase: “Ten for one sen, Year 3 of Meiji.” Although it is small, it is in fact one of the most important coins in the series.
The Meiji coins were made during an extremely interesting historical period, the transition of one empire to another. During the transition to the Meiji Empire, Japan experienced rapid industrialization. This meant citizens adopted western ideas and production methods, which rapidly expanded trade and enriched Japanese culture. One way their coinage changed was the minting process. The Japanese government installed western factories, machines, and processes. Some even going as far as using western clothing styles as mandatory worker outfits! This period also saw Japan transition into a centralized nation rather than a feudal society. As well as the cultural change, Japan also saw changes in its monetary system, military, and dialect. The monetary system transitioned from the Tokugawa system to the new and improved Meiji system. Japan’s military strengthened and expanded to further unite and defend the country. The Japanese language up to that point had been split up into hundreds of local dialects. The new Emperor Meiji would not have such fissures in his empire so he created a nationalized language which further reformed the growing empire.
Japanese history and coinage are extremely interesting and exciting. Personally, they are some of my favorites to observe and collect. Coins represent history, they can be obtained and held and give us a glimpse into the past. In this case, we see Japan reforming its empire and its united nation, however, any and every coin is an exciting piece of history.
