Japan Type Set #7460
Taisho, 5 sen, holed small, 1920-1923

Owner Comments:

JNDA 01-39. This is the smaller or reduced version of the earlier coin. T9 (1920) has examples of both the large and small types. The design elements are identical other than size.

The obverse has the shape of the 'Sacred Mirror' (one of the Imperial Treasures) surrounding the center hole, with 'Great Japan' (Dai Nippon) above and the regnal date below. The characters are superimposed on a wave-like background which recalls some of the pre-modern coins. The reverse features the chrysanthemum crest (the Imperial Crest or Seal) above the center hole, with the denomination characters to either side. Below is foliage from the paulownia (the Paulownia Crest representing the government).

This coin was minted for four years of the Taisho era and a single Showa year (after a 9 year gap).

Diameter 19.09, cupronickel, weight 2.63 grams.