Japan Type Set #7460
Taisho, 50 sen, phoenix, 1922-1926

Owner Comments:

JNDA 01-17. The Rising Sun/Double Hō-ō (Hoo, Ho-o, Ho-ho) 50 sen is the last silver coin minted for general circulation until after the war (at that point silver was found in coins of a much higher denomination). By this date the silver content is significantly less than the original 50 sen coin requirements. Minting of these occurred in both the Taisho and Showa eras.

The Rising Sun encircled by the Sacred Mirror are emblems associated with the Sun Goddess, and thus the Imperial family. The hō-ō bird is often referred to as a phoenix, however it is distinct from the Western idea. The legend is that the bird appears when a boy destined to be Emperor is born, at the beginning of a new era, and/or during peace and prosperity. It is very specifically an emblem referring to the Imperial family.

The double hō-ō 50 sen can be found anywhere from blast white to spectacularly toned, as is this specimen.

Diameter 23.50 mm, .720 fine silver, weight 4.95 grams.