--- title: "Basic Knowledge on the Value and Identification of Meiji Gold Coins" url: "https://ittendo.com/en/article/news-jp-1408-61808181" site: "ITTENDO" type: "article" category: "近代貨幣" published: "2026-10-09T22:00:00Z" updated: "2026-10-10T15:59:29+09:00" source: "一点堂編集部" source_url: "https://ittendo.com/" lang: "en" --- # Basic Knowledge on the Value and Identification of Meiji Gold Coins > Meiji gold coins, modern Japanese coins issued based on the New Currency Act of Meiji 4 (1871), are divided into old and new gold coins. This article organizes the institutional positioning, value as bullion based on denomination weight and fineness, and the basics of grading and storage. Due to the absence of confirmed records and cross-verified auction records, issuance numbers and market evaluations for each year are not definitively stated. Meiji gold coins are modern Japanese coins issued based on the New Currency Act of Meiji 4 (1871), divided into old and new gold coins. --- ## Overview and Historical Significance of Meiji Gold Coins Meiji gold coins were issued during the transition from the diverse currencies of the Edo period to a modern currency system with yen, sen, and rin as units. According to the Mint's 150-year history, the "New Currency Act" was enacted in Meiji 4 (1871), establishing currency units as yen, sen, and rin, and based on this act, five types of gold coins were minted. Meiji gold coins are largely divided into two generations: "old gold coins" and "new gold coins." Old gold coins were minted based on the New Currency Act enacted in Meiji 4 (1871), from Meiji 3 (1870) to Meiji 13 (1880). The gold coins from this period are characterized by the dragon design on the obverse. On the other hand, new gold coins began to be issued in earnest after the establishment of the gold standard following the Sino-Japanese War in Meiji 30 (1897). The design of new gold coins is based on the chrysanthemum and paulownia crests, symbols of Japan, embodying Japan's modernization. This article will not discuss the relationship between issuance numbers per year and market prices due to the lack of confirmed records and cross-verified auction records. For detailed information on Meiji gold coins, please refer to [Meiji Gold Coins](/coinpedia/kindai-002-meiji-gold). Additionally, for more information on the history of modern currency, see [Introduction to Modern Gold and Silver Coins (Meiji to Showa)](/coinpedia/kindai-001-overview). ## Historical Background and Impact on the Evaluation of Meiji Gold Coins The evaluation of Meiji gold coins is greatly influenced by their historical background. The Meiji era was a period of Japan's modernization, which also saw significant changes in the monetary system. This article does not address the artist of the dragon design, precision of engraving, or the involvement of foreign engineer teams due to the lack of confirmation from referenced materials (Mint history and Currency Museum materials). Upon confirmation, updates will be added to the [Meiji Gold Coins](/coinpedia/kindai-002-meiji-gold) record. Regarding authenticity, this article does not specify certain methods of forgery or the prevalence of counterfeits. General verification concepts are organized in [How to Identify Fakes and Modifications](/coinpedia/basics-004-fakes). The overall progress of modern currency is available in [Overview of Modern Currency](/coinpedia/kindai-001-overview). ## Factors that Influence the Value of Meiji Gold Coins One factor in determining the value of Meiji gold coins is the issuance number per year. The issuance numbers per year have not been confirmed with definitive records (they will be added to the record once sources are acquired). Explanations of rarity for specific years (such as Meiji 13) or differences in transaction prices per year are not discussed due to the absence of verified transaction records for the respective denominations. Moreover, Meiji gold coins have their weight and fineness specified by law for each denomination, providing value as bullion. Official values by denomination will be listed according to the verified sources (New Currency Act, Currency Law) in the [Meiji Gold Coins](/coinpedia/kindai-002-meiji-gold) record. Regarding authenticity, evaluations such as "moderate risk" are not described due to a lack of applicable standards. Verification concepts can be found in [Methods to Identify Authenticity](/guide/fake-detection). The perspective on grading conditions is organized in [Standards and Interpretation of Coin Grading](/guide/grading). As no auction records of confirmed Meiji gold coins exist, individual auction prices, market levels, popularity, or demand are not covered in this article. Market records can be checked in [View Auction History Listings](/auctions). ## Points to Check When Acquiring and Holding Meiji Gold Coins This section outlines practical precautions when holding Meiji gold coins. PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service) and NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Corporation) are third-party grading services, with certified coins including grade labels. As their relationship with auction prices (such as a grade band selling for a multiple of the domestic price) cannot be adequately compared, this is not covered in the article. During collection and retention, it is crucial to avoid cleaning gold coins. Polishing the surface of a gold coin can destroy microstructures on the surface, leading to a "CLEANED" label upon authentication, which can greatly reduce the coin's premium. Furthermore, careful attention is needed for storage methods. Coins in PCGS or NGC slab cases should be stored as is, and loose gold coins should be stored in special coin capsules. The storage environment should be free from high humidity and direct sunlight. PVC flip cases or holders should be avoided, as they can chemically react and discolor the coin's surface. Periodically replacing silica gel and maintaining humidity are fundamental to preserving the condition of gold coins. For detailed storage methods, refer to [Correct Storage Methods for Old Coins](/guide/storage). Understanding the basics of grading and storage is the starting point for maintaining Meiji gold coins in good condition for a long time. ## Value and Evaluation of Meiji Gold Coins Meiji gold coins, modern Japanese coins issued based on the New Currency Act of Meiji 4 (1871), come in two generations: old and new gold coins. Without access to definitive records and cross-verified auction records, this article does not definitively state the issuance numbers, existing numbers, popularity, or market evaluations per year. Besides historical and artistic value, they also have value as bullion based on legally defined weight and fineness for each denomination.