--- title: "Taisho Silver Coins" url: "https://ittendo.com/en/coinpedia/kindai-003-taisho-silver" site: "ITTENDO" type: "coinpedia" category: "kindai" series: "Modern Coins" lang: "en" --- # Taisho Silver Coins > Conclusion: Taisho silver coins offer investment potential in rare years; collecting high-grade items with historical context is recommended. - 時代: 大正 - 素材: 銀 - 額面: 円 / 銭 - 発行量: 希少 - 価格帯: 普及 ## Taishō Coin Overview and Historical Background The Taishō era (1912-1926) was a brief 15-year period but a significant turning point in modern Japanese history, marked by the economic boom of World War I and the subsequent post-war depression. The silver coins issued during this time mainly included the 50 sen and 10 sen silver coins. In Taishō 3, the design of the Asahi 50 sen silver coin was changed, and further transitioned to the Kirimon 50 sen silver coin in Taishō 11. These coins can be seen as mirrors reflecting the economic conditions and social climate of the time. There were significant fluctuations in the number of coins issued each year. ## Details of the Asahi 50 Sen Silver Coin (Taishō Type) The Asahi 50 sen silver coin, manufactured from the first year to the sixth year of the Taishō era, is still highly popular today due to its beautiful design. The obverse features an Asahi and cherry blossoms, while the reverse showcases an octagonal mirror and a Kirimon, encapsulating the traditional beauty of Japan. The silver fineness is 800/1000, with a weight of 10.13g. Coins from Taishō 5, with an exceptionally low mintage of about 2,000,000 pieces, can sell for over 100,000 yen in unused condition. Additionally, coins from the first year of the era, Taishō 1, are in demand as the initial year issue and tend to trade around 50,000 yen for well-preserved pieces. These are attractive targets for collectors due to their rarity. ## In-depth Look at the Kirimon 50 Sen Silver Coin The Kirimon 50 sen silver coin, issued from Taishō 11 to Shōwa 13, features a simpler and more practical design compared to the Asahi 50 sen silver coin. The obverse features an Asahi and Kirimon, while the reverse shows the denomination and year. This coin's market prices vary greatly by year. Especially, coins from Taishō 12, which were minted in an extremely low quantity of about 600,000, can be valued at over 300,000 yen, sometimes surpassing 500,000 yen in unused condition. Conversely, heavily minted years like Shōwa 2 and Shōwa 3 are available for as low as 1,000 to 3,000 yen, making it relatively easy for beginners to complete collections by year. ## Supporting Taishō Era Silver Coins (10 Sen Silver Coins, etc.) In the Taishō era, 10 sen silver coins were significant auxiliary currency alongside the 50 sen silver coins. Compared to the Meiji era 10 sen coins, these had a lowered silver fineness of 720/1000. Despite their small size of 17.5mm in diameter and 2.25g in weight, they played a crucial role in everyday life at the time. Among the 10 sen coins of the Taishō period, some feature the Asahi and octagonal mirror design, while others have a Kirimon. Coins with low mintage years or in good unused condition are in demand among collectors. Although their bullion value is less than that of the 50 sen coins, they are attractive collector items for their historical value and series context. ## Correlation Between Yearly Mintages and Market Prices In determining the value of old coins, mintage is one of the most important factors. This principle is clear with Taishō silver coins. For example, the Asahi 50 sen silver coin (Taishō type) had a relatively high mintage of about 16,000,000 pieces in Taishō 1, while the mintage in Taishō 5 was extremely low at about 2,000,000. This difference in mintage is directly reflected in current market prices. For the Kirimon 50 sen silver coin, while the Taishō 11 mintage was about 40,000,000, the mintage of Taishō 12 drastically decreased to about 600,000 due to the impact of the Great Kantō Earthquake. This extreme difference in mintage is the biggest factor in the surprising high price of the Taishō 12 coin. In the early Shōwa period, years like Shōwa 2 and 3 saw massive mintages of 20,000,000 to 40,000,000, making these pieces more common and cheaper. The relationship between mintage and current prices generally shows an inverse correlation, and understanding this information leads to wise collecting. ## Rarity and Market Value of the Taishō 12 "Earthquake Year" Coin The Great Kantō Earthquake that struck on September 1, Taishō 12 (1923), had a tremendous impact on Japan's economy, society, and currency production. The minting facility was also affected, forcing a reduction in production capacity, resulting in the striking of only about 600,000 Kirimon 50 sen silver coins for Taishō 12. This is exceptionally low compared to the usual annual mintage of tens of millions. Although production gradually recovered after Taishō 13, the rarity of the Taishō 12 coins issued during this "earthquake year" remains significant. Collectors hold it in high regard due to its historical background, and it enjoys popularity. Recent auction records show unused pieces selling for more than 500,000 yen, and its value tends to increase year by year. ## Utilizing Professional Grading For collecting Taishō silver coins, especially when targeting high-priced rare years for investment purposes, professional grading by third-party organizations such as PCGS or NGC is essential. Coins submitted to these grading institutions are evaluated under strict criteria by experts and given a grade. Particularly for the Kirimon 50 sen silver coin from Taishō 12, certified pieces at MS63 (Mint State 63) or higher often see bids ranging from 500,000 to 1,000,000 yen in auctions. Additionally, high-grade pieces of the Asahi 50 sen silver coin from Taishō 1 at MS64 or above are confirmed to carry a premium of 200,000 to 300,000 yen. Even for common heavily minted years, completely uncirculated pieces at MS66 or higher are extremely rare and can be valued several times higher than average if discovered. Coins with certification greatly increase their liquidity in domestic and international auction markets, so understanding and actively using [Coin Grading Standards](/coinpedia/basics-003-grading) is recommended. ## Specifications and Bullion Value of Taishō Silver Coins Taishō silver coins vary in silver content and dimensions depending on the type. The specifications of the Asahi 50 sen silver coin (Taishō type) are a diameter of 31.0mm, weight of 10.13g, and silver fineness of 800/1000 (copper 200). Meanwhile, the Kirimon 50 sen silver coin issued after Taishō 11 has a slightly smaller diameter of 23.5mm, but retains the same weight of 10.13g and silver fineness of 800/1000. The auxiliary coin from the Taishō era, the 10 sen silver coin, has a diameter of 17.5mm and weight of 2.25g, with a silver fineness of 720/1000, indicating a decreased fineness compared to the 50 sen coins. These differences in fineness are important elements impacting future bullion value. Fluctuations in silver prices may affect the bullion value relative to face or rarity value. When collecting, being aware of the fineness of each denomination contributes to long-term value judgment. ## Proper Storage Methods and Silver Tarnish Management Silver coins react with hydrogen sulfide and sulfur dioxide in the atmosphere, resulting in the surface turning black, a phenomenon known as silver sulfide. This tarnishing, or "toning," can enhance the coin's beauty if it is even and iridescent, adding value. However, spotted dirt, uneven tarnish, or corrosion can severely lower the coin's evaluation. Proper storage is crucial in maintaining the beauty of silver coins. An ideal environment is to enclose them in coin capsules or specialized flips (PVC-free) and store them in airtight containers with silica gel to maintain humidity below 40%. The most important rule is to never clean the coins. Traces of polishing with abrasives or chemicals will be stamped with "CLEANED" by PCGS, drastically reducing their value. Follow [Proper Coin Storage Methods](/coinpedia/basics-006-hokan) to maintain the coin's original state. ## Forgery Risks and Identification Points Taishō silver coins, being machine-minted, are harder to forge accurately compared to hand-carved old coins. However, with recent advancements in technology, there is a non-zero risk of high-precision forgeries circulating. When purchasing high-priced rare years like the Asahi 50 sen silver coin from Taishō 5 or the Kirimon 50 sen silver coin from Taishō 12, careful attention is necessary. Key identification points include checking the accuracy of weight (mass) and diameter, and closely observing the sharpness of the inscription details and the uniformity of the edges (reeding). Be alert for unnatural shine, unclear detailing, or irregular scratches different from manufacturing flaws. Choosing coins from reliable specialty stores or certified coins is the safest method. For more detailed information, refer to [Complete Guide to Discerning Fakes and Altered Coins](/coinpedia/basics-004-fakes). ## Market Trends and Future Outlook The market for Taishō silver coins has shown steady progress in recent years, driven by certain rare years. Particularly, the Kirimon 50 sen silver coin from Taishō 12, with its historical background, maintains stable demand and may increase in value over time. Additionally, coins in good unused condition or highly rated from professional grading tend to be highly valued in auctions both domestically and internationally. On the other hand, common heavily minted years are popular as entry points for new collectors due to their easy acquisition. While global silver price trends indirectly impact it, the value of Taishō silver coins mainly depends on rarity, historical significance, and condition quality. Understanding and considering [Old Coin Market Cycle Reading](/coinpedia/basics-005-market-cycles) for optimal timing in purchase and sale is key to success.