For this week’s New York International world coin preview we offer a great
rarity: a Japanese 50 Sen minted in 1874. This piece is so rare that its type
was remarked as non-existent by Dr. Norman Jacobs and Cornelius Vermuele. The
Jacobs Collection contained only a Proof example for this denomination and
date. The design follows the standard pattern for Japanese coinage of the era.
The Imperial dragon dominates the obverse design, winding in mid-air, while
clutching the pearl of wisdom. This design is surrounded by a beaded border,
with the upper legend, all in Japanese, stating: “Great Japan, Meiji 7 Year”
which means the seventh year of the Meiji emperor, or 1874. The lower English
legend displays the denomination: “50 Sen.” The reverse is simple, yet
artistically beautiful. The Imperial symbol, the chrysanthemum flower, appears
at the apex of the design, with three Japanese characters below it designating
the denomination of 50 Sen. Around this is a two part wreath, with one side
composed of chrysanthemum and the other half pawlonia. The pawlonia flower is
the official symbol for the Prime Minister of Japan, the cabinet, and by
extension for the government of Japan. This key date piece displays crisp
strike detail with deep slate grey tone highlighted by blue, purple and gold.
We are currently taking consignments of world and ancient coins as well as
world paper money for our January 2018 New York International Auction. We are
also accepting consignments of Chinese and other Asian coins and currency for
our April 2018 Hong Kong Showcase Auction. Time is running short, so if you are
interested in consigning your coins and paper currency (whether a whole
collection or a single rarity) be sure to contact one of our consignment
directors.
