Japan 1/2, 1, and 2 Sen 1873 to 1892

During the Meiji Dynasty Japan issued 1/2, 1, and 2 sen coins in copper, with higher denominations 5, 10, 20, and 50 sen, and 1 yen in issued in silver. Gold issues include 2, 5, 10, and 20 yen. There are 100 sen in one yen. This page applies to the copper low-denomination coins. You can find our page on the silver denominations at this CoinQuest link.

Your first job in evaluating these coins is to figure out the equivalent Western date. We give some insight into doing this at this CoinQuest link. Your second job is to look closely at the scales of the dragon. Most are V shaped, but some are square, as shown in our image below on this page. Generally the square scales are older, and worth more.

The listings below give very approximate catalog values for all dates of these coins, except as noted. If you have a nice coin in good condition (most are very worn and damaged, like the one submitted to CoinQuest by DLC), seek out a coin dealer or knowledgeable collector to assist you in evaluation.

1/2 SEN
worn: $2 US dollars approximate catalog value
average circulated: $5
well preserved: $25
fully uncirculated: $80
1/2 sen coins with square scales are worth at least twice these value, six times as much if fully uncirculated
a square-scaled 1/2 sen dated 1877 (Meiji 10) is very valuable, worth $200 in average circulated condition

1 SEN
worn: $1 US dollars approximate catalog value
average circulated: $3
well preserved: $25
fully uncirculated: $150
1 sen coins with square scales are worth about as much as coins with V scales

2 SEN
worn: $2 US dollars approximate catalog value
average circulated: $4
well preserved: $40
fully uncirculated: $200
2 sen coins dated 1873 (Meiji 6) are rare, worth $150 in average circulated condition
2 sen coins dated 1874 (Meiji 7) are somewhat rare, worth $40 in average circulated condition

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