One of many crown jewels in The Pinnacle Collection, this set—dated to Year 3 (1870) of Emperor Meiji’s reign—transcends numismatics and represents a moment of great historical importance in Japan’s modern history. Just a few brief decades before this set’s production, Japan had been a society closed off from the view of the world. Following the “Gunboat Diplomacy” of Commodore Perry and the United States, however, the West finally began to establish trade with the formerly reclusive country. One such advancement inside Japan was the establishment of a modern mint. With the help of the British, the mint in Osaka acquired decommissioned equipment from that which was formerly used in Hong Kong. Paralleling this process was the design and creation of what would become Japan’s first modern circulating coinage. The set offered here represents the first iteration of designs, with its constituent denominations having been engraved by Leonard Charles Wyon of the famous engraving family. Ultimately, different designs would be chosen, but this set nevertheless represents a relic in that important process. In a sense, this group collectively acts as the patriarch of modern Japanese coinage, and it stands as a symbol for the country’s progress and path forward since opening to the West. Quite possibly unique in its formation, it is no exaggeration to consider it a national treasure.
Stack’s Bowers Galleries Coins in Motion is a state of the art technology that shows off a coin’s true luster and surface appearance. Our macro shots allow lot viewers and bidders to view the coins in high-definition and capture every detail perfect.
To consign to a future Stack’s Bowers Galleries sale, please email us at Consign@StacksBowers.com.
