1 Sen - Meiji
Japan • 1 Sen • Copper (98% copper, 1% tin, 1% zinc) • 1873–1892
- Denomination
- 1 Sen
- Issuer
- Japan
- Struck
- 1873–1892
- Composition
- Copper (98% copper, 1% tin, 1% zinc)
- Currency
- Yen
- Weight
- 7.13 g
- Diameter
- 27.9 mm
- Catalog refs
- Y 17 · JNDA 01-46
Where to find one
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Where it came from
The 1 Sen coin was minted in 1873 as part of Japan's rapid modernization efforts during the early Meiji period. Following the Meiji Restoration in 1868, the government sought to replace the complex, feudal-era monetary system with a unified decimal currency based on the Yen, Sen, and Rin. This reform was essential for stabilizing the national economy and integrating Japan into the burgeoning global financial markets of the late 19th century.
Designed under the supervision of the newly established Japan Mint in Osaka, the coin was produced using modern machinery imported from the United Kingdom. The design reflects a transition toward Western aesthetic standards, featuring the value inscribed in both Japanese kanji and English lettering alongside a dragon motif—a traditional symbol of imperial authority. The coin was well-received as a symbol of progress, signaling Japan’s commitment to adopting international standards in both trade and industrial craftsmanship.
Written by Pi, the helpful collecto.rs AI
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About 1 Sen - Meiji
1 Sen - Meiji is a coin in the Coins catalog on collecto.rs. Japan • 1 Sen • Copper (98% copper, 1% tin, 1% zinc) • 1873–1892. Catalog data is sourced from Numista. No collectors on collecto.rs publicly track this coin yet — adding yours would make you the first.
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