Japanese coins catalog and price guide

 

How to read Japanese coins

 

Dating of Japanese coinsDating of Japanese coins

 

 

Tokugawa (Edo) shogunate

The Togugawa shogunate (named after the rulers) or Edo (named after the capital) was formed as a result of the unification of Japan by Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1603.
Shogun is the commander in chief. During the shogunate, the emperor had no real power. Formally, he was considered the head of the country and was even considered a “living god,” but he officially delegated his powers to the shogun. The imperial capital was in Kyoto.

In the mid-19th century, active penetration of Western countries (primarily the United States) into Japan began. Under pressure, several trade agreements were signed that infringed on Japan's rights. Protests and killings of foreigners began. In response, in September 1864, the combined fleet of England, the United States, France and the Netherlands bombarded the opposition stronghold of Choshu.
In 1866, the shogun accepted the foreigners' ultimatum. The death of Emperor Osahito galvanized opponents of Tokugawa Keiki.
In January 1868, the shogun was defeated in battle and fled.
On January 3, 1868, the new Emperor Meiji issued the Decree on the Restoration of Imperial Rule.

 

Tokugawa (Edo) shogunate1603-1867

 

 

Empire of Japan (since 1868)

Japanese yen symbol - ¥
Japanese yen code - JPY

 

Hirohito coinsMutsuhito (1868-1912), Yoshihito (1912-1926) and Hirohito (1926-1947)

 

 

Naruhito coinsHirohito (1948-1989), Akihito (1989-2019) and Naruhito (since 2019)

 

 

Commemorative coins

 

500 yen 47 prefectures coins500 yen 47 prefectures

 

 

China-Japanese puppet states

 

East HopeiEast Hopei

 

 

manchukuo coinsManchukuo

 

 

Provisional Government of ChinaProvisional Government of China