The first modern style circulating coins of Japan, 1870-1871
M4(1871) 66 RAYS 5 SEN

Owner Comments:

JNDA 01-34. 1871 saw a second design in the 5 sen denomination--the 'large character' obverse replacing the dragon motif, while retaining the 'rising sun' reverse.

The coin has two varieties with relation to how many rays are around the sun, how many beads encircle the sun, and with difference in some of the foliage appearance.

Specifically, there are the 53 rays/65 beads, vs. 66 rays/79 beads. Rather than counting I find it much easier to look and see if the beads are touching or not.

16.15 mm diameter, 0.800 fineness, and 1.25 gram weight (unchanged vs. the prior design).