The Fascinating History Of 20Th Century Japanese Coin

Introduction

Coins have been a significant part of the Japanese economy for centuries. The 20th century, in particular, saw a significant transformation of Japanese coins. This transformation was marked by the introduction of new coins, designs, and materials. In this article, we will explore the history of 20th century Japanese coin and how it has evolved over the years.

The Beginnings of 20th Century Japanese Coin

At the start of the 20th century, Japan was still using the yen, which had been introduced in 1871. The yen was a silver coin, but due to the increasing cost of silver, the government began to look for other materials to use for coinage. In 1916, the government introduced a new coin made of cupronickel, a material that was cheaper than silver.

The Change to Aluminum

During World War II, the Japanese government faced a shortage of metals, including cupronickel. In 1944, the government made the decision to switch to aluminum for coinage. The new coins were introduced in 1948 and were smaller and lighter than the previous coins. They were also less durable and prone to damage, which led to a redesign just a few years later.

The Introduction of the 100 Yen Coin

In 1957, the Japanese government introduced the 100 yen coin, which was made of cupronickel. The coin featured Mount Fuji on one side and a phoenix on the other. The 100 yen coin quickly became popular and was widely used in daily transactions.

The Use of Brass and Bronze

In the 1960s, the Japanese government began to experiment with new materials for coinage. They introduced coins made of brass and bronze, which were more durable than the aluminum coins. These coins were used for smaller denominations, such as the 5 yen and 1 yen coins.

The Commemorative Coins of the 1970s

In the 1970s, the Japanese government began to issue commemorative coins to celebrate special events. These coins were made of silver and gold and featured designs that were specific to the event being celebrated. The first commemorative coin was issued in 1970 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Bank of Japan.

The Modernization of 20th Century Japanese Coin

In the 1980s, the Japanese government began to modernize their coinage. They introduced new designs for the 10 yen and 50 yen coins, which featured images of flowers and other traditional Japanese symbols. They also began to use more advanced minting techniques to improve the quality and durability of the coins.

The Introduction of Bi-metallic Coins

In 2000, the Japanese government introduced bi-metallic coins for the 500 yen denomination. These coins featured an outer ring made of brass and an inner core made of cupronickel. The design of the coin featured a number of different traditional Japanese symbols, including cherry blossoms and the famous Kinkaku-ji temple.

The Future of 20th Century Japanese Coin

As we move further into the 21st century, it is likely that the Japanese government will continue to modernize their coinage. It is possible that new materials and designs will be introduced, and that commemorative coins will continue to be issued to celebrate important events.

Conclusion

The history of 20th century Japanese coin is a fascinating one, marked by significant changes and innovations. From the introduction of cupronickel and aluminum coins to the use of brass and bronze, and the modernization of coinage in the 1980s and 1990s, Japanese coinage has evolved significantly over the years. As we look to the future, it will be interesting to see how this rich history continues to influence the development of Japanese coinage.