Meiji Ryū 10 Sen Silver Coin (明治竜10銭銀貨) — A Currency Reflecting the Growth of Modern Japan

The Meiji Restoration brought transformation to every aspect of Japan's politics, economy, and society. With the enthronement of Emperor Meiji in 1868 and the collapse of the Tokugawa shogunate, Japan broke free from the feudal system and rapidly pursued modernization in order to catch up with Western nations. During this period, the Japanese government decided to introduce a new monetary system. In 1871 (Meiji 4), the New Currency Regulations were enacted and the gold standard was adopted. Through this, the Meiji government aimed to unify the currency throughout Japan, and various types of coins were issued. Among them, the Ryū 10 Sen Silver Coin issued in Meiji 6 (1873) played an important role. This coin, with specifications of 2.70 g in weight and 80% silver purity, became a symbol of the Meiji government's modernization policy. The new monetary system laid the foundation for Japan to stand on equal footing with Western nations, and as part of that effort the 10 sen silver coin was introduced. The Meiji government also incorporated an international perspective into coin design, initially adopting the dragon motif before later changing to designs featuring the rising sun and the phoenix. This allowed Japan to present its new national image to the world.

In the Meiji era, Japan actively adopted Western technology and promoted domestic technological innovation. The minting process for the 10 sen silver coin was part of that effort. Coin minting was carried out using the most advanced technology available in Japan at the time. Minting was conducted primarily at the Osaka Mint (大阪造幣局), where the latest minting machinery imported from the West was used. This equipment was indispensable for ensuring accurate weight and consistent quality. Many skilled craftsmen were involved in the minting process, and they performed meticulous work to reproduce fine details of the design with precision. The minting engineers succeeded in creating high-quality coins by fusing Japan's traditional techniques with new Western technology. The silver purity was set at 80%, which preserved the coin's durability and aesthetic appeal. Thanks to the efforts of these craftsmen, the 10 sen silver coin was able to achieve the solid quality needed to withstand circulation within Japan. The Meiji government thus strengthened the technological foundation supporting the new monetary system and promoted Japan's economic growth.

In Meiji-era Japan, the 10 sen silver coin circulated widely and played an important role in everyday life. As a basic subsidiary currency, this coin was indispensable for ordinary transactions among the common people. It was affectionately known among the populace as the 'Ryū 10 Sen' and became an essential part of daily life. As the volume in circulation increased, economic activity also became more vigorous, contributing greatly to Japan's modernization. The circulation of currency promoted commercial development and had a positive impact not only on the urban economy but also on regional economies. In particular, as currency circulation advanced alongside the development of transportation networks, commercial activity flourished in regional cities as well. In Japan at the time, gold and silver coins were the mainstream, but subsidiary coins such as the 10 sen silver coin were extremely important to ordinary people. Such currency circulation strengthened the economic foundation and became an element supporting Japan's modernization.

The design change of the 10 sen silver coin was part of the Meiji government's strategy to raise Japan's standing in international society. Initially bearing the dragon motif, this coin symbolized Japan's strength and dignity. However, in the later Meiji period, the design was changed to one more conscious of international sensibilities. In particular, in 1897 (Meiji 30), designs featuring the rising sun and the phoenix were newly adopted. This change signaled Japan's intention to participate in international society not merely as one nation of Asia, but as a member of the world community. The phoenix is traditionally regarded as a symbol of peace and prosperity, expressing Japan's hope for its future. This design change was intended to appeal, both domestically and internationally, to Japan's modernization and internationalization. The change in coin design was motivated not only by aesthetic reasons, but also embodied political intent and international strategy. Such transitions in design tell the story of how Japan redefined its own identity and sought its place in international society.