Historical Significance of the Final Year of the Old 20 Yen Gold Coin: Meiji 13
The 20 yen gold coin minted in Meiji 13 (1880) is classified as the "old 20 yen gold coin" and represents the final manufacturing year of the dragon design, a piece with special significance in the history of modern Japanese gold coins. The old 20 yen gold coin was initially issued following the New Currency Ordinance of Meiji 3 (1870) and was designed as a high-quality gold coin meeting international standards of the time, with a weight of 33.33g, gold purity of 900/1000, and pure gold content of 30.00g. The obverse featured an intricately designed dragon, and the reverse depicted a rising sun and chrysanthemum crest, symbolizing Japan's prestige as a modern nation to the world. Meiji 13 marked the final year this old design was used, and production was temporarily halted the following year. It resumed later in Meiji 30 (1897) with the "new 20 yen gold coin" under a new design, and the old dragon design never returned. This "final year" status significantly enhances the rarity and value of the Meiji 13 coins. For a comprehensive overview of the old 20 yen gold coins from Meiji 3 to 13, refer to the Complete Guide to 20 Yen Gold Coins. For the overall position of modern gold and silver coins, see Introduction to Modern Gold and Silver Coins (Meiji to Showa).
Details of Gold Purity, Weight, and Design
The physical specifications of the Meiji 13 20 yen gold coin adhere to the standards common to the old 20 yen gold coin series. With a gold purity of 900/1000 (90% pure), a weight of 33.33g, pure gold content of 30.00g, and a diameter of 35.06mm, it stands out prominently among modern Japanese gold coins. The obverse design features a splendid dragon. The intricate engraving, down to each scale, beard, and claw of the dragon, encapsulates the pinnacle of craft by mint engravers of the early Meiji period and is highly regarded as a work of art. The dragon's posture gazes upward to the right, expressing power and majesty. On the reverse, a radiant rising sun is centered, with the imperial emblem of the chrysanthemum crest above, the denomination "二十圓" below, and the inscription "大日本 明治十三年" along the outer edge. The edge features detailed reeding as an anti-counterfeiting measure for circulation currency. Rarity, condition, and certificate assessment determine the final price. Review Factors Determining Old Coin Value to organize value formation factors. Individual prices are listed only once verifiably matched, sourced records exist.
Minting Quantity and Rarity of Meiji 13
Understanding the rarity of the Meiji 13 20 yen gold coin requires grasping the shift in total minting numbers across the old 20 yen gold coin series. The total mintage of the old 20 yen gold coin is estimated at about 2,400,000, encompassing the 11-year period from Meiji 3 to 13. Minting quantities varied significantly by year, especially declining considerably in the later years (Meiji 10-13). As the final year of minting, Meiji 13 production was particularly low, and finding well-preserved coins is rare. Over the 140 years since minting, many coins were lost due to economic reasons (melting for bullion) or natural degradation, affecting the number still in existence. Modern gold coins post-Meiji, especially during the financial controls and requisition orders around World War II, were heavily reclaimed and melted, thus limiting surviving numbers. In the market, the "Meiji 13" denomination is recognized as one of the particularly rare dates among the old 20 yen gold coins, holding higher appraisal compared to other years within the series. Coins graded MS-60 or higher rarely surface in the market, with perhaps only 1-2 appearing annually, requiring extensive research and prompt decision-making for acquisition.
Grading Points and Evaluation
The evaluation and grading of the Meiji 13 20 yen gold coin are among the most advanced in modern gold coin collections. Making purchasing decisions involving several million yen without appropriate evaluation carries significant risk. The most crucial verification point in appraisal is the authenticity of the year. The inscription "明治十三年" must be clearly engraved, with crisp and sharp letter edges verified using high magnification. Any unnatural blurring or signs of re-carving in the details of the letters requires caution. In grading, mint state coins (MS-60 and above) that have maintained minting condition receive the highest evaluations. For MS-63 or higher, complete details of the dragon scales remain, and mirror shine in the fields is present. Circulated and used coins are classified across a spectrum of grades from AU (Almost Uncirculated) to VF (Very Fine) based on wear. In Japan, the Japan Numismatic Dealers Association (JNDA) is a representative reliable evaluation authority. For perspective on the international market, coins with certificates from entities like PCGS and NGC have high liquidity, advantageous at resale. For understanding grading certificate interpretations, consult Standards of Coin Grading.
Market Records and Appraisal
The market price of the Meiji 13 20 yen gold coin varies significantly with grade and market conditions. From an investment perspective, the Meiji 13 20 yen gold coin is suitable for long-term holding due to the following reasons. First, the limited existing number: 140+ years post-minting, only a few coins annually make it to the market. With no factors to increase supply, prices are supported as long as demand steadies. Second, international recognition: Japanese modern gold coins are noted in world coin markets, and coins certified by PCGS/NGC can attract interest from investors abroad. Third, the intrinsic bullion value: The bullion value of pure gold 30g acts as a floor price, supporting the price base. Conversely, risks include the presence of counterfeits and altered coins (manipulated year engravings, etc.). For this price range, sophisticated counterfeits exist, so avoid investing heavily in uncertified coins. To organize investment frameworks, see Differences and Thoughts on Investment vs. Collection. Individual prices are listed only once verifiably matched, sourced records exist.
Authenticity Issues and Considerations When Buying
Due to the extraordinarily high value of the Meiji 13 20 yen gold coin, it is one of the categories with the highest risk of forgery and alteration. Utmost caution is necessary when purchasing. The most common forgery technique is "year engraving falsification." It is known that coins with relatively inexpensive years (e.g., Meiji 8 or 9) from the same old 20 yen gold coin series are modified by altering the year to Meiji 13. Using high magnification (50x or more) to observe, if the texture of the gold around the year numeral is unnaturally different from its surroundings, suspect alteration. Gold plating forgery can be confirmed through specific gravity measurement. An alloy with 90% pure gold (with the remaining 10% copper and silver) should have a specific gravity of about 18.0; significant deviation may indicate material abnormalities. Selecting the place of purchase is also crucial. Buying from a reputable numismatic specialist or coins with certification from authoritative grading agencies like PCGS, NGC, or JNDA minimizes risks. Avoid buying ultra-high-value coins from online auctions or unknown dealers, even if the photos appear authentic. Fortify your basic counterfeit detection skills with the Complete Guide to Identifying Fakes and Altered Coins. Build market awareness from past trading records by using Auction Records Search.