Japan 5 Yen Appraisal

Japanese 5 Yen Coin (Go-en)

This item is a circulation-standard Japanese 5 Yen coin, frequently referred to as a 'Go-en' coin. It is characterized by its distinctive circular shape with a central hole, a design feature intended to save on raw materials and make the coin easily identifiable by touch. The coin is minted from a brass alloy (60-70% copper and 30-40% zinc), giving it a characteristic golden hue that has aged into a muted, dark brownish-gold patina in this specific specimen. The obverse side (visible) features a highly symbolic design including an ear of rice representing agriculture, horizontal lines at the top representing water or fisheries, and a gear around the central hole symbolizing industry. The denomination 'Five Yen' is written in kanji (五円) at the bottom. The reverse side, though not fully visible, typically bears the name of the issuing authority 'Japan' and the year of reign in kanji. Measuring 22mm in diameter and weighing approximately 3.75 grams, this coin shows evidence of significant circulation, including surface grime, localized darkening from oxidation, and softened detail on the rice stalks. The craftsmanship follows the standard high-precision mechanized minting of the Japan Mint. Given the Kaisho script style, this coin likely dates from the Showa era (1949-1958) or the later Heisei/Reiwa eras (1959-present), though the heavy oxidation suggests an older specimen from the mid-20th century.