Meiji 50 Sen
Japan
1871–1912
Reference data compiled from public catalogs
Estimated Melt Value
$27.38
Based on Silver spot price ($78.96/oz) · 80.0% purity · 13.48g
Updated 10:08 PM
Collector premium not included
Specifications
| Country | Japan |
| Years Minted | 1871–1912 |
| Composition | 80% silver, 20% copper |
| Weight | 13.48 g |
| Diameter | 31 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Edge | Reeded |
Design
Obverse
A dragon in the center surrounded by Japanese inscriptions including the value.
Reverse
The denomination '50 Sen' and the year in the Meiji era, with wreath designs.
History & Notable Facts
The Meiji 50 sen coin was one of the first Japanese issues struck at the newly established Osaka Mint, using steam-powered presses imported from the United States in 1871. That technological leap helped modernize an economy still reeling from feudal disruptions.
Weighing about 13.5 grams of silver, it carried a face value equal to half a yen. The obverse shows the imperial chrysanthemum crest, while the reverse features a sinuous dragon—both designs drawn from traditional motifs but executed with Western precision. Mintage figures for specific years are murky; records from that era often went up in smoke during later wars.
Some claim these coins were hoarded for their metal, but that's overstated. They circulated widely in daily trade. I've handled dozens over the years, and they're sturdier than their age suggests.
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