20 Yen - Meiji
Japan • 20 Yen • Gold (.900) (10% copper) • 1870–1892
- Denomination
- 20 Yen
- Issuer
- Japan
- Struck
- 1870–1892
- Composition
- Gold (.900) (10% copper)
- Currency
- Yen
- Weight
- 33.33 g
- Diameter
- 35.06 mm
- Catalog refs
- Y 13 · JNDA 01-1 · JC 09-1
Where to find one
Search for 20 Yen - Meiji on the marketplaces collectors use.
Listings from external marketplaces. We may earn a commission on qualifying purchases.
Where it came from
The 20 Yen gold coin was introduced following the Meiji Restoration, a period defined by Japan's rapid modernization and transition toward a centralized monetary system. Issued under the New Currency Act of 1871, this coinage was designed to replace the complex system of feudal regional currencies with a decimal-based system modeled after Western gold standards, specifically the Latin Monetary Union.
The design of these coins was heavily influenced by the expertise of technicians from the British Royal Mint in Hong Kong, reflecting the Meiji government's intent to align Japan with global financial practices. The obverse features the imperial dragon, a symbol of sovereign power, while the reverse displays the chrysanthemum crest of the Emperor. The coins were well-received as a symbol of Japan's emerging stature as a global economic player, though their high gold content led to significant hoarding and subsequent re-melting over time.
Written by Pi, the helpful collecto.rs AI
Who's collecting this
Real coins collectors on collecto.rs who have this in their public collection.
About 20 Yen - Meiji
20 Yen - Meiji is a coin in the Coins catalog on collecto.rs. Japan • 20 Yen • Gold (.900) (10% copper) • 1870–1892. Catalog data is sourced from Numista. No collectors on collecto.rs publicly track this coin yet — adding yours would make you the first.
How many collectors track 20 Yen - Meiji on collecto.rs?
20 Yen - Meiji doesn't have any public collectors on collecto.rs yet. Sign up to add it and become the first.
Can I track my own copy of 20 Yen - Meiji?
Yes. collecto.rs is free — sign up to log your coin, upload photos, record condition, edition, and acquisition cost, and connect with other coins collectors. Your collection stays private by default.
Where does the 20 Yen - Meiji catalog entry come from?
The catalog entry for 20 Yen - Meiji is sourced from Numista. Catalog-level facts stay consistent across every collector; your own data (condition, edition, acquisition notes) is yours.
Is tracking coins free on collecto.rs?
Yes. Tracking your coins is free — no paid tier required to catalog items, upload photos, or share your collection.
Track every coin you own
Free. Fun. Collection photos, notes, organization, value tracking, friends — all in one place.
Sign up free