The first modern style circulating coins of Japan, 1870-1871
M4(1871) 50 SEN TYPE I - 19MM DRAGON CIRCLE Y4a.1

Owner Comments:

JNDA 01-13A. Dragon obverse and sun reverse motifs.

In 1871 the Japanese Mint reduced the diameter of the 50 sen coin by a fraction of a millimeter, while the weight remained the same, presumably for either technical or planchet acquisition purposes.

There are two varieties for the 'small diameter' version. The vastly more common is this 19 mm beaded circle version. Other than measuring, one of the flames (at approximately 2 o'clock) is seen overlapping 3 of the dragon's spines. There are also other variances with regard to the limb spines as well, but the diameter and the flame are the most common descriptors.

31.0 mm in diameter, 0.800 fine silver, weight 12.5 grams.