The earliest coins in Japan were modeled after Chinese coins and crafted from metals such as bronze and copper. Typically round with a square hole in the center, these coins were circulated widely during that period. Feudal lords issued their own coins during the medieval era, resulting in a diverse array of coinage across the country, including both local and imported varieties.
The Edo period witnessed the establishment of a standardized currency system, with the Koban, a rectangular gold coin, and the Kin, a smaller gold coin, being the most common. Additionally, silver coins like the Ichibuban and the Kobussen were prevalent during this time.
The modernization of Japan's currency system occurred with the Meiji Restoration. In 1871, the Meiji government introduced the Japanese yen (¥) as the official currency, based on the decimal system. New coins were minted in silver and gold to reflect this change.
During World War II, economic constraints prompted the Japanese government to mint coins using cheaper metals like zinc and aluminum, with denominations adjusted accordingly to reflect the economic conditions.
Japan's contemporary coinage system includes denominations of 1 yen, 5 yen, 10 yen, 50 yen, 100 yen, and 500 yen. The 1 yen coin is crafted from aluminum and features a central hole. Both the 5 yen and 10 yen coins are made of brass and also feature central holes. The 50 yen and 100 yen coins are constructed from cupro nickel and are circular with central holes. The largest denomination, the 500 yen coin, is fashioned from cupronickel and boasts an intricate design. Minted by the Japan Mint, these coins play a vital role in daily transactions across the country.
