Go En Coin Appraisal

Japanese 5 Yen Coin (Go-en)

This item is a standard Japanese 5 yen circulation coin, characterized by its distinctive golden-brass color and central hole. The coin is composed of a brass alloy typically consisting of 60% to 70% copper and 30% to 40% zinc. It features a diameter of 22mm and a thickness of 1.5mm, with a central hole measuring 5mm, which was originally included to save metal in post-war production. The obverse side (appearing face-up) displays Kanji characters indicating state origin and the era of minting. Specifically, the text 'Nihon-koku' (State of Japan) is written at the top, and 'Showa Goju-nen' (Year 50 of the Showa era) is written at the bottom, dating the piece to 1975. The design traditionally incorporates agricultural and industrial motifs: an ear of rice around the hole representing agriculture, horizontal lines representing water (fisheries), and a gear around the hole representing industry. The condition appears to be 'circulated,' showing typical surface wear, light scratches, and a duller patina consistent with use in commerce rather than a mint-state collection. No significant deformations, deep gouges, or edge nicks are visible from the image, suggesting average preservation for its age. The 5 yen coin is culturally significant in Japan, as the word 'go-en' is a homophone for a word meaning 'good fortune' or 'karmic connection,' making it a frequent choice for shrine offerings.