Taishō 1 Sen

The Taishō 1 Sen coin features the imperial chrysanthemum on its obverse, a design element that linked it directly to Japan's imperial lineage while the country grappled with modernization.

This bronze piece, minted between 1912 and 1926 under Emperor Yoshihito, was part of a series intended for low-denomination circulation, reflecting Japan's economic shifts after the Russo-Japanese War. We know it was produced at the Osaka Mint, but exact mintage figures are murky—records from that period were often incomplete or destroyed in later conflicts. The coin's reverse shows a simple wreath, emphasizing functionality over flair.

Bronze composition made it prone to wear, which is why so many survivors show patina. In my three decades handling these, I've seen fakes that mimic the patina poorly. Counterfeiters never learn.