List of Japanese coinage patterns


The following is a list of pattern coins from the yen based currency system started under the Meiji Restoration. The first patterns of the yen based system were made from 1869 to 1870 as presentation pieces to the Emperor. The new currency system was eventually adopted by the Meiji government in an Act signed on June 27, 1871. Pattern coins are almost never released into circulation as they are made for evaluation purposes only. Once a pattern is approved by government officials, it then goes to the minting process. Most of the patterns listed below are rare, and sell for considerable amounts at auctions. The market value and rarity of any given coin is dependent on supply and demand.

Selected termanology

The following terms appear on the list below:
Legend - In numismatic terminology "legends" refer to inscriptions on any given coin. Common inscriptions for these coins include; "Great Japan", the reigning Emperor's name, the value of the coin, and the year of the Emperor's reign.
Obverse/Reverse - These refer to the front and back side of a coin.
Variety - Struck coins with minor changes to the initial design are called "varieties".

Meiji

DenominationYear of reignJapanese dateGregorian dateNameDescription
1 Fun02 2nd二
1869
KM-Pn2The obverse side of this coin has two crossed Japanese flags on poles with Mt. Fuji in the background, while the reverse side shows the coin's value. This pattern was struck in copper, and holed in the center.
5 Fun02 2nd二
1869
KM-Pn3Obverse has two crossed Japanese flags on poles with Mt. Fuji in the background, while the reverse shows the coin's value. This pattern was struck in copper, and is holed in the center. Only 2 coins have been certified as genuine by PCGS, while a 3rd resides in the Smithsonian Institution.
1 Momme02 2nd二
1869
KM-Pn4Obverse has two crossed Japanese flags on poles with Mt. Fuji in the background, while the reverse shows the coin's value. This pattern was struck in copper, and is holed in the center. An example sold for 182,000 at auction in 2018.

Rin

DenominationYear of reignJapanese dateGregorian dateNameDescription
1 Rin02 2nd二 1869 KM-Pn5This pattern is holed in the middle with a sunburst design on both sides pointing outwards from the center. The Emperor's name is on the obverse, and "1 RIN" in Kanji on the reverse. The coin is described as "extremely rare" by Heritage Auctions.
1 Rin03 3rd三1870KM-Pn7The obverse features the Chrysanthemum seal in center surrounded by the Emperor's name and legends. The reverse has a sunburst on it with the value "1 RIN" in Kanji. This coin is described as "very rare".
1 Rin06 6th六1873KM-Pn21Virtually identical to the adopted Rin design, the main difference being "1 MIL" instead of "1 RIN" in arabic. This coin is described as "extremely rare" by the American Numismatic Society.
2 Rin18 18th八十1885KM-Pn27Virtually identical to the adopted "Rin" design. The main differences include "2 RIN" instead of "1 RIN" in Arabic, and 2 lines above the Japanese symbol for Rin on the reverse. This coin has been described as a "rare pattern" by Heritage Auctions.
5 Rin32 32nd二十三1899KM-Pn30The obverse features a paulownia crest within a vine wreath with the chrysanthemum seal below. The reverse has the value written in Kanji within a beaded circle. The legends are featured around this circle which include "5 RIN" written in Arabic. This coin is described as "extremely rare" by Heritage Auctions.
5 Rin39 39th九十三1906KM-Pn33Unknown design struck in copper, 2,850 pieces were recorded as being issued.
5 Rin42 42nd二十四1909KM-Pn35This pattern is virtually identical to the 1899 dated 5 rin pattern, except the reverted obverse has the chrysanthemum seal appear at the top. One example was donated to the ANS in 1983.

Sen

DenominationYear of reignJapanese dateGregorian dateNameDescription
s - 03 3rd三1870KM-Pn8The obverse is virtually identical to the adopted design, but " SEN" is written in Kanji. The reverse features a sunburst design in a beaded circle surrounded by legends next to the Chrysanthemum Seal above, and a decorative wreath below. These coins found their way into circulation making the few survivors well worn.
1 Sen02 2nd二1869KM-Pn6The obverse is virtually identical to the adopted design, but "1 SEN" is written in Kanji. The reverse features a sunburst design with the inscription "Exchange 100 coins for 1 Yen" written in Kanji. This coin is described as "very rare" by Heritage Auctions.
1 Sen03 3rd三1870KM-Pn9The obverse of this pattern is the same as the preceding one, while the reverse is similar to KM-Pn8. One of these coins sold for $15,600 at auction in March, 2019.
1 Sen10 10th十1877KM-PnA27Not much is known for this pattern other than a dragon design which is featured on the obverse. This coin was minted in silver while all the other sen coins of the Meiji era were struck in copper.
1 Sen41 41st一十四1908KM-Pn34This pattern is holed, with the obverse featuring a wreath and "1 SEN" written in Kanji. The reverse has a sunburst in the center around the hole, legends surround it and "1 SEN" is written in Arabic.
1 Sen44 44th四十四1911KM-Pn36The design for this copper coin is unknown.
1 Sen44 44th四十四1911KM-Pn37Obverse features a wreath with "1 SEN" written in Kanji, while the reverse features a large sunburst with legends surrounding it. "1 SEN" is written in Arabic at the bottom.
5 Sen21 21st一十二1888KM-Pn28Similar to the adopted 5 sen design used in the following year. These replaced the former design of sen, which were struck in silver. This pattern is described as "extremely rare" by Heritage Auctions, and an example sold for $9,200 at auction in 2011.
5 Sen28 28th八十二1895KM-Pn29This copper nickel pattern has a sunburs in a circle surrounded by legends on the obverse, that include "5 SEN" written both in Arabic and Kanji. The reverse features a symbol within a wreath, a rope design is present along the border of the coin on both sides.

Yen

DenominationYear of reignJapanese dateGregorian dateNameDescription
01 yen03 3rd三1870KM-Pn10The design of this coin is unknown, it was struck in white metal. The adoption of this coin would have made it the lowest denomination of Yen. It was rejected in favor of the 5 sen coin.
02 yen03 3rd三1870KM-Pn11
KM-Pn12		The design of this coin is unknown. Two varieties were struck, one in copper and the other in white metal. Both were rejected in favor of the 10 sen coin.
03 yen03 3rd三1870KM-Pn13
KM-Pn14		The design of this coin is unknown. Two varieties were struck, one in copper and the other in white metal. While these coins were rejected, another later proposal for a 25 sen coin was made.
04 yen03 3rd三1870KM-Pn15The obverse of this copper coin is virtually identical to the adopted first silver yen design. The reverse features a sunburst surrounded by a floral pattern towards the rim. The idea of a half yen coin was rejected in favor of the 50 sen coin.
05 1 yen03 3rd三1870KM-Pn16Virtually identical to the adopted 1st silver design. “Only a handful of examples extant,” one such coin sold for $195,500 in 2011.
06 1 yen06 6th六1873KM-Pn22Virtually identical to the adopted 2nd silver design. The main exception is "1873" written in Arabic below the reverse bow.
07 1 yen07 7th七1874KM-Pn23Virtually identical to the adopted 2nd silver design.
08 1 yen34 34th四十三1901KM-Pn31The obverse has a sunburst surrounded by a circle with legends around it, "1 YEN" is in Arabic. There is nothing on the reverse except 1 Yen written in Kanji. This coin was struck in copper.
09 1 yen34 34th四十三1901KM-Pn32Obverse has the value written in Kanji within a wreath, and has a chrysanthemum seal located above. The reverse features a sunburst surrounded by a circle with legends around it which include "1 YEN" in Arabic. One example of this rare coin sold for $80,500 in 2011.
10 2 yen03 3rd三1870KM-Pn17This rejected proposed pattern was struck in both gold and copper. While the gold design for this coin is unknown, at least one copper example survived with a design similar to KM-Pn15.
10 5 yen03 3rd三1870KM-Pn18Struck in gold, design unknown.
11 5 yen07 7th七1874KM-Pn26The obverse features a dragon with legends around the border, on the reverse is a sunburst crest superimposed on the sacred mirror within the wreath. The chrysanthemum seal is located above this design.
12 10 yen03 3rd三1870KM-Pn19Virtually identical to the first adopted 10 yen design. An example of this coin sold for $276,000 in 2011, only 3 examples are known.
13 10 yen03 3rd三1870KM-Pn20Struck in gold, design unknown. This coin is possibly non-extant given the status of the previous pattern.

Trade dollars

Year of reignJapanese dateGregorian dateNameDescription
7th七1874KM-Pn24This pattern features the final accepted design used to strike trade dollars from 1875 to 1877. It is described as "possibly unique", if not then "very few" are known.
7th七1874KM-Pn25The obverse is similar to the adopted trade dollar design, but there is no beaded circle around the dragon. Other differences include "420 GRAINS. 900 FINE" being under the dragon rather than around the rim with "TRADE DOLLAR", and larger inscriptions. The reverse side is virtually identical to the adopted reverse design. This pattern is described as "very rare" as only a few pieces are known to have survived.

Taishō

DenominationYear of reignJapanese dateGregorian dateNameDescription
5 Rin5th五1916KM-Pn39This pattern was struck in copper. The obverse features the value within a circle surrounded by a floral wreath, the reverse features a sunburst with legends. Another variety shows the value within a circle surrounded by legends with 5 RIN written in Kanji, the reverse is a simple sunburst.
5 Rin5th五1916KM-Pn40This pattern was struck in copper. The obverse features a large paulownia crest in the center flanked by cherry blossoms, the reverse has the value within a circle surrounded by legends. An example sold for 210,000 in 2017.
1 Sen4th四1915KM-Pn38The obverse features the value flanked by a floral design which includes the paulownia crest featured below. The reverse includes the legends with the value written as "1 Sn." all imposed over a sunburst design. One or both sides of this coin has a decorated rim. Described as "rare" by Heritage Auctions.
1 Sen5th五1916KM-Pn41The obverse features a sunburst, while the reverse has the value within a circle surrounded by the legends. An example sold for $12,650 in 2011.
1 Sen5th五1916KM-Pn42Virtually identical to the adopted 1 sen design with minor differences. Only one "1 sen" design was issued for circulation during Taishō's reign.
1 Sen5th五1916KM-Pn43The obverse is ornamental with the value superimposed on the sacred mirror with the chrysanthemum seal featured above. The reverse is identical to the one used on KM-Pn38. This coin is described as "rare" by Heritage Auctions.
5 Sen5th五1916KM-Pn44Similar to the adopted 5 sen design. Only one "5 sen" design was issued for circulation during Taishō's reign, and all were struck in copper-nickel. An example sold for $26,450 in 2011.
10 Sen7th七1918KM-Pn45The obverse features the value in Kanji flanked by two birds with chrysanthemum seal above. The reverse has a sunburst with a bird in the center surrounded by legends including "10 SEN" written in Arabic. Only a few pieces are known, an example sold for $11,500 in 2011.
10 Sen8th八1919KM-Pn49Virtually identical to KM-Pn45 with minor detail changes, this pattern is described as "Extremely rare" by Heritage Auctions.
20 Sen7th七1918KM-Pn46The obverse features the value in Kanji flanked by two birds with chrysanthemum seal above. The reverse has a sunburst with a bird in the center surrounded by legends including "20 SEN" written in Arabic. A very rare example dated 1920 also exists which is counter stamped "mihon".
20 Sen8th八1919KM-Pn50The design for this pattern is unknown, it was struck in silver.
20 Sen8th八1919KM-Pn51The design for this pattern is unknown, it was struck in silver.
20 Sen10 10th十1921KM-Pn54The design for this pattern is similar to KM-Pn46, and is also counter stamped "mihon". Both of these patterns are described as "very rare".
25 Sen9th九1920KM-Pn52The design was struck in silver, and is similar in design to KM-Pn46 with "25 SEN" now written in Arabic. Like the others this "very rare" coin is also counter stamped "mihon". This was the final attempt at proposing a coin equal to a quarter yen.
50 Sen7th七1918KM-Pn47The obverse features the value in Kanji flanked by two birds with chrysanthemum seal above. The reverse has a sunburst surrounded by legends including "50 SEN" written in Arabic. Like the previous coins, this "very rare" pattern is counter stamped "mihon".
50 Sen7th七1918KM-Pn48The obverse features the value in a beaded circle surrounded by a wreath with chrysanthemum seal above. The reverse has a sunburst with legends surrounding it.
50 Sen9th九1920KM-Pn53The design for this pattern is unknown, it was struck in silver.
50 Sen12th十二1923KM-Pn55Virtually identical to the adopted 50 sen 2nd design. The main difference being the coin is struck in tin rather than silver.
50 Sen15th五十1926KM-Pn56While the obverse design is unknown, the reverse features the value flanked by a floral design with other legends on the top and bottom. This coin was struck in tin rather than silver.

Shōwa

DenominationYear of reignJapanese dateGregorian dateNameDescription
1 Sen13th三十1938KM-Pn66Obverse has the value surrounded by a floral wreath with the Chrysanthemum seal featured above. The reverse features a bird within a circle surrounded by legends. This pattern was struck in aluminum.
1 Sen18th
八十
1943
KM-Pn70This pattern coin was struck in a tin alloy, and was intended for later use in occupied territories. The obverse features a puppet head, while on the reverse are the legends, date, and a large "1".
1 Sen18th八十1943KM-Pn71Unknown design struck in fiber, this was intended to be used as occupation coinage.
1 Sen20th十二1945KM-Pn73Identical to the final 1 sen design that was made for circulation in 1945. The only difference is that this pattern was struck in brass rather than tin and zinc.
1 Sen20th十二1945KM-Pn74All of these patterns were struck in porcelain, and have numerous different designs. Common themes include the Chrysanthemum seal, paulownia crest, and legends which include the value. At least 3 examples have been graded by PCGS.
1 Sen20th十二1945KM-Pn75All of these patterns were struck in porcelain, and have numerous different designs. The same applies here with regards to the design features, at least 2 have been graded by PCGS.
1 Sen20th十二1945KM-PnA74The obverse features a small sunburst, while the obverse has the value 1 SEN written in Kanji. This coin does not have the Emperor's name nor seal on it, and was struck in porcelain.
5 Sen8th八1933KM-Pn62This holed pattern was struck in nickel. On the obverse is a garnished center with legends including two small flowers. The reverse features an Imperial eagle at the bottom, the value written in kanji towards the top, and the Chrysanthemum seal at the top. Described as "extremely rare" by Heritage Auctions.
5 Sen12th二十1937KM-Pn64Unknown design struck in brass.
5 Sen13th三十1938KM-Pn67Nothing is known about this coin other than the value and date.
5 Sen18th
八十
1943
KM-Pn72This tin alloy struck pattern was intended for later use in occupied territories. The obverse features a stick puppet, on the reverse are the legends, date, and a large "5".
5 Sen20th十二1945KM-Pn76All of these patterns were struck in porcelain, and have numerous different designs. Common themes include the Chrysanthemum seal, paulownia crest, and legends which include the value.
5 Sen20th十二1945KM-Pn77All of these patterns were struck in porcelain, and have numerous different designs.
10 Sen8th八1933KM-Pn63The obverse for this holed nickel struck pattern is identical to the one used on KM-Pn62. The reverse features an ornamental design with the paulownia crest below, the value in the center, and the Chrysanthemum seal at the top. Described as "extremely rare" by Heritage Auctions.
10 Sen12th二十1937KM-Pn65Unknown design struck in brass.
10 Sen13th三十1938KM-Pn68Nothing is known about this coin other than the value and date.
10 Sen18th
八十
1943
KM-PnA73This silver struck pattern coin was intended for later use in occupied territories. The obverse features a stick puppet, on the reverse are the legends, date, and a large "10". An example sold for $12,650 in 2011.
10 Sen20th十二1945KM-Pn78All of these patterns were struck in porcelain, and have numerous different designs. Common themes include the Chrysanthemum seal, paulownia crest, and legends which include the value.
10 Sen20th十二1945KM-Pn79All of these patterns were struck in porcelain, and have numerous different designs. At least 1 example has been graded by PCGS.
10 Sen21st一十二1946KM-Pn80Virtually identical to the final adopted 10 sen design, but struck in brass. Only a few pieces are known to have survived.
50 Sen2nd二1927KM-Pn57Obverse design is virtually identical to the adopted 50 sen version. The reverse has an empty circle in the center surrounded by legends. This pattern was struck in brass.
50 Sen2nd二1927KM-Pn58Unknown design struck in silver.
50 Sen2nd二1927KM-Pn59Obverse design is virtually identical to the adopted 50 sen version. The reverse has an empty center, with legends below and a wheat stalk above. This pattern was struck in brass.
50 Sen2nd二1927KM-Pn60Unknown design struck in silver.
50 Sen3rd三1928KM-Pn61Unknown design struck in tin.
50 Sen13th三十1938KM-Pn69Virtually identical to the 1st adopted 50 sen design under Shōwa. This pattern has been described to have been struck in "white metal" and "aluminum" rather than the circulation issued silver alloy. The total mintage of these coins remains unknown.

Yen

DenominationYear of reignJapanese dateGregorian dateNameDescription
1 yen25th二十五1950KM-Pn81Unknown design struck in brass.
5 yen26th二十六1951KM-Pn84Virtually identical to the adopted 5 yen "old script" design, but struck in aluminum. This coin is described as "very rare" by Heritage Auctions.
5 yen33rd三十三1958KM-Pn86Virtually identical to the adopted 2nd design which uses an "old script" for the value. There are added Japanese characters on the reverse side.
10 yen25th二十五1950KM-Pn82Unknown design struck in aluminum.
10 yen25th二十五1950KM-Pn83The obverse features the value flanked by a floral design, the reverse has legends surrounded by a decorative center. This pattern coin was struck in copper-nickel and is holed in the middle. An example sold for $2,530 in 2011.
10 yen26th二十六1951KM-Pn85The obverse features the value flanked by a floral design, the reverse has legends surrounded by a decorative center. This pattern coin was struck in copper-nickel and is holed in the middle. An example sold for $2,990 in 2011.