# List of Japanese coinage patterns

The following is a list of Japanese 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 very rare, and sell for considerable amounts at auctions. The market value and rarity of any given coin is dependent on supply and demand.

## Selected terminology

The following terms appear on the list below:
Legend(s) – In numismatic terminology "legends" refer to inscriptions on any given coin. Common inscriptions for these coins include; "Great Japan" (大日本), the reigning Emperor's name (ex: 明治 Meiji), the value of the coin, and the year of the Emperor's reign.
Obverse/Reverse – These refer to the front (o) and back (r) side of a coin.
Struck/Strike – This is part of the minting process.
Variety – Coins struck with minor changes to their initial design are called "varieties".

## Meiji

* Note: Early Japanese coins are read clockwise from right to left, while modern coins are read counterclockwise from right to left.

### Early proposals

| Denomination | Year of reign | Japanese date | Gregorian date | Name | Description |
| 1 Fun | 02 2nd | 二 (undated) | 1869 (undated) | KM-Pn2 | The obverse (front) side of this coin has two crossed Japanese flags on poles with Mount Fuji in the background, while the reverse (back) side shows the coin's value. This pattern was struck in copper, and holed in the center. |
| 5 Fun | 02 2nd | 二 (undated) | 1869 (undated) | KM-Pn3 | Obverse has two crossed Japanese flags on poles with Mount 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 Momme | 02 2nd | 二 (undated) | 1869 (undated) | KM-Pn4 | Obverse has two crossed Japanese flags on poles with Mount 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 (JPY) at auction in 2018. |

### Rin

| Denomination | Year of reign | Japanese date | Gregorian date | Name | Description |
| 1 Rin | 02 2nd | 二 (undated) | 1869 (undated) | KM-Pn5 | This 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 Rin | 03 3rd | 三 | 1870 | KM-Pn7 | The obverse features the Chrysanthemum seal in its 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 Rin | 06 6th | 六 | 1873 | KM-Pn21 | Virtually 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 Rin | 18 18th | 八十 | 1885 | KM-Pn27 | Virtually identical to the adopted Rin design. The main differences include "2 RIN" instead of "1 RIN" in Arabic, and 2 lines (二) above the Japanese symbol for Rin (厘) on the reverse. This coin has been described as a "rare pattern" by Heritage Auctions. |
| 5 Rin | 32 32nd | 二十三 | 1899 | KM-Pn30 | The obverse features a paulownia crest within a wreath above the chrysanthemum seal. The reverse has the value written in Kanji within a beaded circle. "5 RIN" is written in Arabic around this circle alongside other legends. This coin is described as "extremely rare" by Heritage Auctions. |
| 5 Rin | 39 39th | 九十三 | 1906 | KM-Pn33 | Unknown design struck in copper. |
| 5 Rin | 42 42nd | 二十四 | 1909 | KM-Pn35 | This pattern is virtually identical to the 1899 dated 5 rin pattern (KM-Pn30), except the reverted obverse has the chrysanthemum seal appear at the top. One example was donated to the ANS in 1983. |

### Sen

| Denomination | Year of reign | Japanese date | Gregorian date | Name | Description |
| 1⁄2s – (Half sen) | 03 3rd | 三 | 1870 | KM-Pn8 | The obverse is virtually identical to the adopted design, but "1⁄2 SEN" is written in Kanji (半銭). 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 Sen | 02 2nd | 二 | 1869 | KM-Pn6 | The obverse is virtually identical to the 1st adopted design, but "1 SEN" is written in Kanji. The reverse features a sunburst design with the inscription "Exchange 100 coins for 1 Yen" (圓ー換枚百以) written in Kanji. This coin is described as "very rare" by Heritage Auctions. |
| 1 Sen | 03 3rd | 三 | 1870 | KM-Pn9 | The obverse of this pattern is the same as the preceding one, with a reverse similar to KM-Pn8. One of these coins sold for $15,600 (USD) at auction in March, 2019. |
| 1 Sen | 10 10th | 十 | 1877 | KM-PnA27 | Not much is known about this pattern other than a dragon design which is featured on the obverse. This particular coin was minted in silver, while all the other sen coins of the Meiji era were struck in copper. |
| 1 Sen | 39 39th | 九十三 | 1906 | Unlisted | Virtually identical to the adopted second "1 sen" design, this "extremely rare" coin was struck in aluminum. No "1 sen" coins were struck for circulation during this year, only a few known copper issues were struck as Proofs. |
| 1 Sen | 41 41st | 一十四 | 1908 | KM-Pn34 | This pattern is holed in the center, with the obverse featuring a wreath and "1 SEN" written in Kanji. The reverse has a sunburst which surrounds the central hole, legends and "1 SEN" are written in Arabic around the sunburst. |
| 1 Sen | 44 44th | 四十四 | 1911 | KM-Pn36 | The design for this copper coin is unknown. |
| 1 Sen | 44 44th | 四十四 | 1911 | KM-Pn37 | Obverse 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 Sen | 21 21st | 一十二 | 1888 | KM-Pn28 | Similar to the 4th adopted 5 sen design used in the following year (1889). This pattern is described as "extremely rare" by Heritage Auctions, and an example sold for $9,200 at auction in 2011. |
| 5 Sen | 28 28th | 八十二 | 1895 | KM-Pn29 | This copper nickel pattern has a sunburst in a circle surrounded by legends and "5 SEN" written both in Arabic and Kanji on the obverse. The reverse meanwhile features a symbol within a wreath. Both sides of the coin additionally feature a rope design near the border rim. |

### Yen

| Denomination | Year of reign | Japanese date | Gregorian date | Name | Description |
| 01 1⁄20 yen | 03 3rd | 三 | 1870 | KM-Pn10 | Nothing is known about this coin other than it was struck in white metal. The adoption of a 1⁄20 yen coin would have made it the lowest ever valued in Yen. It was ultimately rejected in favor of the 5 sen coin. |
| 02 1⁄10 yen | 03 3rd | 三 | 1870 | KM-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 1⁄4 yen | 03 3rd | 三 | 1870 | KM-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 proposal was later made during the Taishō era for a 25 sen coin. |
| 04 1⁄2 yen | 03 3rd | 三 | 1870 | KM-Pn15 | The obverse of this copper coin is virtually identical to the adopted 1st silver yen design. The reverse features a sunburst surrounded by a floral pattern towards the rim. The half yen coin was rejected in favor of the 50 sen coin. |
| 05 1 yen | 03 3rd | 三 | 1870 | KM-Pn16 | Virtually identical to the adopted 1st silver yen design. “Only a handful of examples extant,” one such coin sold for $195,500 (USD) in 2011. |
| 06 1 yen | 06 6th | 六 | 1873 | KM-Pn22 | Virtually identical to the adopted 2nd silver yen design. The main difference is "1873" written in Arabic below the reverse bow. |
| 07 1 yen | 07 7th | 七 | 1874 | KM-Pn23 | Virtually identical to the adopted 2nd silver design. |
| 08 1 yen | 34 34th | 四十三 | 1901 | KM-Pn31 | The 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 yen | 34 34th | 四十三 | 1901 | KM-Pn32 | Obverse 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 (USD) in 2011. |
| 10 21⁄2 yen | 03 3rd | 三 | 1870 | KM-Pn17 | This 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 yen | 03 3rd | 三 | 1870 | KM-Pn18 | Struck in gold, design unknown. |
| 11 5 yen | 07 7th | 七 | 1874 | KM-Pn26 | The 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 yen | 03 3rd | 三 | 1870 | KM-Pn19 | Virtually identical to the 1st adopted 10 yen design. An example of this coin sold for $276,000 (USD) in 2011, only 3 examples (total) are known. |
| 13 10 yen | 03 3rd | 三 | 1870 | KM-Pn20 | Struck in gold, design unknown. This coin is possibly non-extant given the status of the previous pattern. |

### Trade dollars

| Year of reign | Japanese date | Gregorian date | Name | Description |
| 7th | 七 | 1874 | KM-Pn24 | This 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 | 1874 | KM-Pn25 | The 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 (Value within wreath, chrysanthemum above). This pattern is described as "very rare" as only a few pieces are known to have survived. |

## Taishō

* Note: Early Japanese coins are read clockwise from right to left, while modern coins are read counterclockwise from right to left.

### Rin and Sen

| Denomination | Year of reign | Japanese date | Gregorian date | Name | Description |
| 5 Rin | 5th | 五 | 1916 | KM-Pn39 | This 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 Rin | 5th | 五 | 1916 | KM-Pn40 | This 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 (JPY) in 2017. |
| 1 Sen | 4th | 四 | 1915 | KM-Pn38 | The 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 Sen | 5th | 五 | 1916 | KM-Pn41 | The obverse features a sunburst, while the reverse has the value within a circle surrounded by the legends. An example sold for $12,650 (USD) in 2011. |
| 1 Sen | 5th | 五 | 1916 | KM-Pn42 | Virtually identical to the adopted 1 sen design with minor differences. Only one "1 sen" design was issued for circulation during Taishō's reign. |
| 1 Sen | 5th | 五 | 1916 | KM-Pn43 | The 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 Sen | 5th | 五 | 1916 | KM-Pn44 | Similar 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 (USD) in 2011. |
| 10 Sen | 7th | 七 | 1918 | KM-Pn45 | The 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 (USD) in 2011. |
| 10 Sen | 8th | 八 | 1919 | KM-Pn49 | Virtually identical to KM-Pn45 with minor detail changes, this pattern is described as "Extremely rare" by Heritage Auctions. |
| 20 Sen | 7th | 七 | 1918 | KM-Pn46 | The 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 (year 9) also exists which is counter stamped "mihon" (specimen). |
| 20 Sen | 8th | 八 | 1919 | KM-Pn50 | The design for this pattern is unknown, it was struck in silver. |
| 20 Sen | 8th | 八 | 1919 | KM-Pn51 | The design for this pattern is unknown, it was struck in silver. |
| 20 Sen | 10 10th | 十 | 1921 | KM-Pn54 | The design for this pattern is similar to KM-Pn46, and is also counter stamped "mihon" (specimen). Both of these patterns are described as "very rare". |
| 25 Sen | 9th | 九 | 1920 | KM-Pn52 | The 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" (specimen). This was the final attempt at proposing a coin equal to a quarter yen. |
| 50 Sen | 7th | 七 | 1918 | KM-Pn47 | The 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" (specimen). |
| 50 Sen | 7th | 七 | 1918 | KM-Pn48 | The 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 Sen | 9th | 九 | 1920 | KM-Pn53 | The design for this pattern is unknown, it was struck in silver. |
| 50 Sen | 12th | 十二 | 1923 | KM-Pn55 | Virtually identical to the adopted 50 sen 2nd design. The main difference being the coin is struck in tin rather than silver. |
| 50 Sen | 15th | 五十 | 1926 | KM-Pn56 | While 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

* Note: Early Japanese coins (until 1945–1946) are read clockwise from right to left, while modern coins are read counterclockwise from right to left.

### Sen

| Denomination | Year of reign | Japanese date | Gregorian date | Name | Description |
| 1 Sen | 13th | 三十 | 1938 | KM-Pn66 | Obverse 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 Sen | 18th (undated) | 八十 (undated) | 1943 (Dated: 2603) | KM-Pn70 | This 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 sen). |
| 1 Sen | 18th | 八十 | 1943 | KM-Pn71 | Unknown design struck in fiber, this was intended to be used as occupation coinage. |
| 1 Sen | 20th | 十二 | 1945 | KM-Pn73 | Identical 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 Sen | 20th | 十二 | 1945 | KM-Pn74 | All 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 Sen | 20th | 十二 | 1945 | KM-Pn75 | All 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 Sen | 20th | 十二 | 1945 | KM-PnA74 | The 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 Sen | 8th | 八 | 1933 | KM-Pn62 | This 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 Sen | 12th | 二十 | 1937 | KM-Pn64 | Unknown design struck in brass. |
| 5 Sen | 13th | 三十 | 1938 | KM-Pn67 | Nothing is known about this coin other than the value and date. |
| 5 Sen | 18th (undated) | 八十 (undated) | 1943 (Dated: 2603) | KM-Pn72 | This 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 sen). |
| 5 Sen | 20th | 十二 | 1945 | KM-Pn76 | All 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 Sen | 20th | 十二 | 1945 | KM-Pn77 | All of these patterns were struck in porcelain, and have numerous different designs. |
| 10 Sen | 8th | 八 | 1933 | KM-Pn63 | More than one variety exists for this pattern which uses elements of the adopted design. Described as "extremely rare" by Heritage Auctions. |
| 10 Sen | 12th | 二十 | 1937 | KM-Pn65 | Unknown design struck in brass. |
| 10 Sen | 13th | 三十 | 1938 | KM-Pn68 | Nothing is known about this coin other than the value and date. |
| 10 Sen | 18th (undated) | 八十 (undated) | 1943 (Dated: 2603) | KM-PnA73 | This 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" (10 sen). An example sold for $12,650 (USD) in 2011. |
| 10 Sen | 20th | 十二 | 1945 | KM-Pn78 | All 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 Sen | 20th | 十二 | 1945 | KM-Pn79 | All of these patterns were struck in porcelain, and have numerous different designs. At least 1 example has been graded by PCGS. |
| 10 Sen | 21st | 一十二 | 1946 | KM-Pn80 | Virtually identical to the final adopted 10 sen design, but struck in brass (small sized). Only a few pieces are known to have survived. |
| 50 Sen | 2nd | 二 | 1927 | KM-Pn57 | Obverse design is virtually identical to the adopted 50 sen version (two birds). The reverse has an empty circle in the center surrounded by legends. This pattern was struck in brass. |
| 50 Sen | 2nd | 二 | 1927 | KM-Pn58 | Unknown design struck in silver. |
| 50 Sen | 2nd | 二 | 1927 | KM-Pn59 | Obverse design is virtually identical to the adopted 50 sen version (two birds). The reverse has an empty center, with legends below and a wheat stalk above. This pattern was struck in brass. |
| 50 Sen | 2nd | 二 | 1927 | KM-Pn60 | Unknown design struck in silver. |
| 50 Sen | 3rd | 三 | 1928 | KM-Pn61 | Unknown design struck in tin. |
| 50 Sen | 13th | 三十 | 1938 | KM-Pn69 | Virtually identical to the 1st adopted 50 sen design (two birds) under Shōwa. This pattern was struck in "white metal" and "aluminum" rather than the circulation issued silver alloy. The total mintage of these coins remains unknown. |

### Yen

| Denomination | Year of reign | Japanese date | Gregorian date | Name | Description |
| 1 yen | 25th | 二十五 | 1950 | Unlisted | Virtually identical to the first modern adopted 1 yen design (1948 to 1950), but struck in aluminum instead of brass. |
| 1 yen | 25th | 二十五 | 1950 | KM-Pn81 | Unknown design struck in brass. |
| 5 yen | 26th | 二十六 | 1951 | KM-Pn84 | Virtually identical to the adopted 5 yen "old script" design, but struck in aluminum. This coin is described as "very rare" by Heritage Auctions. |
| 5 yen | 33rd | 三十三 | 1958 | KM-Pn86 | Virtually identical to the adopted 2nd design which uses an "old script" for the value. There are added Japanese characters on the reverse side (gear design around hole). |
| 10 yen | 25th | 二十五 | 1950 | KM-Pn82 | Unknown design struck in aluminum. |
| 10 yen | 25th | 二十五 | 1950 | KM-Pn83 | The 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 (USD) in 2011. |
| 10 yen | 26th | 二十六 | 1951 | KM-Pn85 | The 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 (USD) in 2011. |