My Adventures with Japanese Yen Coins

I’ve always had a soft spot for Japanese Yen coins, especially those Meiji-era pieces. It all started when I found an old one tucked away in a mixed lot – that single coin sent me down a rabbit hole of discovery. Let me share some practical things I’ve picked up along the way that might help fellow collectors.

Reading Between the Lines

I remember holding a coin with these beautiful inscriptions that practically whispered its story. Turned out to be a Meiji year 28 issue from 1895! You’ll often find chop marks on these from circulation – they add such character, but you’ll want to examine them closely for authenticity. When I’m puzzled about age or details, I cross-check with resources like the NGC World Coin Guide. It’s my first stop for identifying varieties, though I wish it explained minor differences better sometimes.

What Grading Taught Me

Figuring out grades became a real passion project. Take an XF (Extremely Fine) specimen – NGC lists them around $65, but I’ve watched AU53 (About Uncirculated) coins hit $90–$110. My trick? Always inspect surfaces under good light. Check for wear on high points and see how much original luster remains. Higher grades like MS62 do command premiums, but I’ve grabbed a few under $500 at auctions. eBay tends to run higher once seller fees kick in.

Market Lessons Learned

The market’s taught me plenty through the years. Prices have climbed steadily since the 90s – I miss finding treasures for $14! Nowadays, fakes flood the market (especially from China), so I always verify with trusted dealers. Auction houses like Stack’s Bowers often give better value than eBay, where I regularly see 30-50% markups. Watch for hidden costs too – I learned about VAT and customs fees the hard way when a Croatian purchase ballooned to over $800!

That Collector’s Rush

My most thrilling moment? Hearing metal detectorists describe unearthing big silver coins like Oregon Trail halves – I know that heart-pounding feeling from similar finds! For Japanese Yen, my pride and joy is an MS62 with a custom NGC label I snagged under $500. Mint State pieces aren’t cheap, but they’re findable if you’re patient and avoid eBay’s premium.

Handy Tips From My Experience

• Lean on NGC’s online tools when researching grades and varieties
• Stick to slabbed coins from reputable auctions to sidestep fakes
• Track prices closely – MS grades can jump exponentially, so budget carefully
• See chop marks as historical signatures, but check for actual damage
• Share your discoveries! We all learn through swapping stories

Building my Japanese Yen collection has been such a rewarding journey – equal parts history lesson and treasure hunt. If you’re new to this, just start looking. Your own amazing find might be waiting!