Japan FIFA World Cup 500, 1000, and 10,000 yen 2002

In 2002 the FIFA World Cup of soccer was held in South Korea and Japan. This is a popular event and many countries issue commemorative coins when the World Cup occurs (every four years). When Japan found out they would be hosting in 2002, they issued commemorative coins in different denominations to celebrate the event.

The first three coins are 500 yen denominations, each having slightly different designs -- one coin for North and South America, one for Asia and Oceania, and the third for Europe and Africa. These coins are made of a copper-nickel-zinc alloy and weigh 7 grams. They are 26.5mm in diameter.

The next coin is a 1000 yen denomination -- it contains one troy ounce of .999 pure silver (31.1 grams) and is 40mm in diameter. This coin was only issued with a proof finish, meaning it has mirror-like fields and is exceptionally well struck.

The last coin is the 10,000 yen -- this one contains just over a half troy ounce of .999 pure gold (15.6 grams) and is 26mm in diameter. This coin was also only issued in a proof strike.

Here are some approximate catalog values for these coins:

500 yen (all designs)
Worn: less than $1 (U.S. dollars)
Average circulated: less than $1
Well preserved: $3
Fully Uncirculated: $10

1000 yen
Worn: worth silver value (as of this writing, the silver value is $14.55 USD)
Average circulated: silver value
Well preserved: $40
Fully uncirculated (original, exceptional proof condition): $100

10,000 yen
Worn: worth gold value (as of this writing, the gold value is $545 USD)
Average circulated: gold value
Well preserved: $600
Fully uncirculated (original, exceptional proof condition): $1000

Keep in mind that the 1000 and 10,000 yen coins are special proof strikes made of precious metals and are not likely to be worn or circulated. The gold and silver values fluctuate daily and live prices can be found at kitco.com.

Please note that all values on this page are catalog values. Be sure you understand how catalog values work. They are inflated values that are normally higher than actual buy and sell values. Refer to our Terminology page for a complete description of catalog values.
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