1986 60th Birthday 500 Yen

This 1986 500 Yen coin features the portrait of Emperor Shōwa, a rare break from Japan's tradition of avoiding royal images on currency.

That design choice stirred quiet debate among officials, who worried about blending imperial symbolism with everyday money. The coin itself is silver, with a weight of 27 grams and a diameter of 26 millimeters, struck at the Osaka Mint.

Mintage figures aren't precisely recorded in public archives, though estimates suggest around 20 million pieces were produced. I've handled a few over the years; they're solid, unpretentious.

Some claim it brought good luck, but that's just collector folklore. Coins don't grant wishes.