Sell Japanese gold yen
The gold 20, 10 and 5 yen from after 1897, of the emperors Meiji, Taishō and Shōwa. Round fine weights: 15, 7.5 and 3.75 grams.
- Purity
- 900‰ (21.6 carat)
- Country
- Japan
- Gold rate
- €119.54/g
What do we pay for a japanese gold yen?
Based on the gold rate of this moment, €119.54 per gram of fine material. As of:
| Variant | Fine gold | Total weight | We pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 yen | 15 g | 16.67 g | €1,721.34 |
| 10 yen | 7.5 g | 8.33 g | €860.67 |
| 5 yen | 3.75 g | 4.17 g | €430.33 |
This price applies regardless of the year and the mint. With a rare year or exceptional condition the collector’s value can be higher than the material value – then we say so, even if that means you are better off not selling us the coin.
How we arrive at this amount
A coin is precious metal in a recognisable shape. What it fetches therefore depends almost entirely on the fine weight: the weight of pure gold it contains.
This coin is 900‰ (21.6 carat) pure. The rest of the alloy – usually copper – makes it harder and scratch-resistant, but has no value. That is why we calculate on the fine weight and not on what the scales say.
After the currency reform of 1897 the gold yen became half as heavy; since then the 20 yen has contained exactly 15 grams of fine gold.
Not sure whether your coin is genuine? We check weight, diameter, thickness and – if in doubt – the density with X-ray analysis. Non-destructive: your coin stays intact.
Also have a look at today’s gold rate or all gold prices.
The halving of 1897
In the thirtieth year of Emperor Meiji’s reign, Japan moved to the gold standard and the yen was given a new weight. The new 20 yen weighed 16.6667 grams, exactly half the older 20 yen of 1870–1892. The 10 and 5 yen came alongside it.
The dates are in the Japanese era system, by emperor: Meiji, Taishō or Shōwa.
How we settle
On the fine gold: 15 grams per 20 yen, 7.5 grams per 10 yen and 3.75 grams per 5 yen. Japanese gold coins are rare in Europe; we check them carefully and look at whether date and condition have collector value.
How to sell your japanese gold yen
From walking in to being paid usually takes less than half an hour.
Do not polish it
With collector coins, cleaning can push the value down considerably. A natural patina belongs to them.
Bring it in
With or without an appointment, at one of our 45 locations. If the coin is in a holder, leave it in there.
We assess two values
The precious metal and what the coin itself does: year, mintage and condition. You get the higher of the two.
Paid out straight away
In cash or by bank transfer. Larger amounts reach your account within 24 hours.
Also of interest
Questions about selling japanese gold yen
How much gold is in a gold 20 yen?
Exactly 15 grams of fine gold in a coin of 16.6667 grams. We settle against the gold rate of the moment, less our margin.
My 20 yen is much heavier. How can that be?
Then you probably have a 20 yen from before 1897, which is twice as heavy. We weigh every coin and settle on the gold it actually contains.
How do I read the date?
It is in the Japanese era system, as the emperor’s regnal year. We convert it to the Western year for you.
What should I bring?
The coins and valid identification. The valuation is free and you decide only after the offer.
Is your question not listed? Ask it below, call 085 060 3009 or go to contact.
A question about japanese gold yen?
Ask it here. You will receive a personal reply by email, usually within one working day – no automated message and no phone call you did not ask for.
- An answer from a valuer, not from a template
- We keep your question so that you need not repeat anything
- No sales pitch afterwards
Sources
Where you can verify what you have just read.
- Koninklijke Nederlandse MuntThe mint that struck the Dutch coins and knows their fineness
- De Nederlandsche BankOn the guilder and exchanging old legal tender
- WaarborgHollandThe Dutch assay office that verifies fineness and strikes hallmarks
Have your japanese gold yen valued?
Free and without obligation, at a location near you.