1907–1912 Japan 50 Sen Meiji Circulated

The Silver Coin of Imperial Japan’s First Monarch

This is a 50 Sen Japan legal-tender coin struck in 10.10 grams of 80% fine silver during the reign of Emperor Meiji—the first monarch of the Empire of Japan. Emperor Meiji, who became emperor of Japan in 1867 and ruled for 45 years until his death in 1912, was known for implementing a series of changes as rapid as they were ambitious, transforming Japan from a retrograde, isolationist state to an industrialized world power. It was during his reign that Japan defeated Russia in the 1904–1905 Russo-Japanese War fought over the two nation’s rival imperial ambitions in Manchuria and the Korean Empire. It was also the first time in modern history that an Asian power defeated a European power.

Symbols Of Japanese Royalty And Culture

These 50 Sen coins are each more than 110 years old with a date-range that varies from 1907 to 1912 (date our choice). They feature cherry blossoms and chrysanthemums on the obverse, and the familiar sunburst emblem on the reverse.

In Japanese culture, chrysanthemums symbolize royalty, longevity, and rejuvenation. In fact, the chrysanthemum is the Imperial Family Emblem. Cherry blossoms symbolize both birth & death, and beauty & violence. They are a central motif in the Japanese worship of nature and have traditionally represented the short-but-colorful life of the samurai—a warrior-like code that was embraced by Japan’s military leaders as they embarked upon a years-long conquest of their Pacific neighbors that began during the reign of Emperor Meiji and ended following Japan’s defeat in World War II.

Controversial Emblem Of Japanese Militarism

The sunburst, or rising sun, was originally used by feudal warlords in Japan during the Edo period from 1603–1868. It was adopted by the Meiji government as the war flag of the Imperial Japanese Army and naval ensign of the Imperial Japanese Navy. To this day, the Rising Sun flag and symbol is controversial in East Asia, especially South Korea, where it is associated with Japanese militarism.

Each coin will come in Circulated condition and housed in a presentation box. Secure yours now, while they last!