Japanese Gold and Silver Coins

Japanese gold and silver coin sets are available from dealers who deal in Japanese coins.

A good example is the EXPO 2005 AICHI JAPAN 10,000 Yen Gold Proof Commemorative Coin and the 1,000 Yen Silver Proof Commemorative Coin.

These were struck to commemorate the AICHI Expo in from March through to Sept 2005
With "Nature's wisdom" as its theme, more than 120 nations, international organizations, plus numerous corporate groups and NGO/NPOs are participating in the first international expo of the 21st century in order to reach solutions to global problems, such as global warming and energy issues. During the event, around 15 million people are expected to visit it.

To Celebrate this event, Japan Mint produced three kinds of commemorative coins; 10,000 yen gold and 1,000 yen silver proof coins, and 500 yen nickel-brass coins for regular circulation in Japan.

The 10,000 yen pure gold coin weighs 15.6g (1/2oz) and has a diameter of 26mm. Total mintage of the coin is limited to 70,000.

The obverse of the gold coin features the globe, surrounded by the sun, the moon, stars, clouds, rain, lightning and water flow. A family of owls, regarded as the Aichi prefecture's bird, appears against the earth. The design symbolizes the marvelous mechanism of nature and the power of life.

The 1,000 yen pure silver coin weighs 31.1g (1oz) and has a diameter of 40mm. Total mintage of the coin is limited to 70,000.

The obverse of the silver coin features the blue planet, surrounded by young trees. With the sophisticated pad-printing technology, a satellite photograph is well copied in three colors: blue, white and gray. The design symbolizes the peaceful unification of human beings and the love for the nature.

The gold coin and the silver coin have a common reverse design. The symbol of the EXPO is placed on the upper half of the coins. Below that, five horizontal lines depicting the ground symbolize the Aichi Expo and the four other world expositions that have been held in Japan. Two latent images, "NIPPON" (meaning "Japan") and "10000" or "1000" (the face value of the coin) are alternately visible between two of the lines.

These coins are available as a solo proof gold coin (35,000 units): a solo proof silver coin (35,000 units): and a set of a proof gold coin and a proof silver coin (35,000 units). And up to five percent, equal to 1,750 each, are allocated for overseas market.


These Japanese gold and silver coin sets would make a fine, if unusual, addition to a coin enthusiasts collection.