Unlocking the Charm of Japanese Yen Coins: My Collector’s Journey

I’ve always had a soft spot for Japanese yen coins, and chatting with fellow collectors has only made me love them more. Let me share some real-world observations that could save you time and money in this fascinating corner of coin collecting.

Deciphering Meiji Era Treasures

Dating these coins becomes second nature pretty quickly once you start handling them. Take that Meiji year 28 piece – that’s 1895 in our calendar, and you’ll bump into these fairly often. I’ve held several with chop marks that give them such personality, though they can make condition tricky to judge. When in doubt, I always double-check with the NGC World Coin Guide rather than guessing – it’s saved me from mistakes more than once.

What Condition Means for Your Wallet

Here’s something I’ve learned the hard way: tiny grading differences mean big price jumps. NGC data shows an XF yen might go for $65, but that same coin in AU53? Suddenly we’re talking $90-110. Mint State pieces do command premiums, but they’re not out of reach – I snagged an MS62 for under $500. Always look closely at wear and that original shine; sometimes an AU53 can punch above its weight value-wise.

• When checking NGCcoin.com’s Resources, remember they sometimes list varieties without clear explanations – you’ll need to do some detective work
• Grading affects both enjoyment and resale, so I lean toward slabbed coins from trusted services when buying

Spotting Fakes Before They Spot You

Watch out – counterfeit yen coins are everywhere these days, and the Chinese-made ones keep improving. I’ve developed a habit of checking edges, weighing carefully, and studying patina like it’s my job. Buying from reputable dealers or sticking with certified coins has saved me from expensive lessons more times than I’d like to admit.

Hunting Deals in the Wild

Stories of metal detecting finds always get me daydreaming – like when I dug up an Oregon Trail half dollar and my hands wouldn’t stop shaking! For yen coins, I’ve had mixed luck on eBay. Prices often run high there thanks to seller fees and regional premiums. Coins shipped from Japan can sting with extra charges too – I once paid $50 just in FedEx fees. My best deal? Grabbing that MS62 yen for $480 through Stacks-Bowers instead of eBay’s $800+ listings.

• Auction houses often offer better prices since they skip the platform fees
• If you buy on eBay, account for all costs – custom labels are neat but not worth overpaying for

Parting Thoughts for New Collectors

Japanese yen coins blend rich history with that thrill of the hunt. Start with common Meiji dates to find your footing, and keep that NGC guide handy. While it’s fun remembering $14 bargains from the 90s, today’s market rewards smart buying. Share your discoveries with other collectors – it’s what makes this hobby so rewarding. Happy collecting!