2000 Japan 2,000 Yen (Commemorative Millennium & G8 Summit) – Pick #103a (Single-Letter Prefix) – PMG 66 EPQ Gem Uncirculated
Issued by the Bank of Japan in July 2000, this 2,000 Yen note was created to commemorate both the turn of the 2nd Millennium and the 26th G8 Summit held in Nago, Okinawa. Unlike standard Japanese banknotes featuring historical figures on the obverse, this issue uniquely highlights Japanese cultural heritage and architecture.
Cataloged as Pick #103a, this piece represents the coveted Single-Letter Serial Prefix issue (e.g., A...A, B...A) from the initial production run before transitioning to double-letter block prefixes (Pick #103b). Certified by PMG as Gem Uncirculated 66 EPQ (Exceptional Paper Quality), it showcases crisp paper integrity, full original embossing, and rich ink depth.
Key Features & Specifications
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Issuing Country: Japan
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Issuing Authority: Bank of Japan (Nippon Ginko)
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Denomination: 2,000 Yen (¥2000)
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Year of Issue: 2000 (Heisei 12)
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Catalog Identification: Pick #103a (P-103a) / Single-Letter Serial Number Prefix
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Commemorative Theme: 2nd Millennium Transition & 26th G8 Summit (Okinawa)
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Grading Service: PMG (Paper Money Guaranty)
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Grade: Gem Uncirculated 66 EPQ
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Obverse Design: The iconic 16th-century Shureimon Gate of Shuri Castle in Naha, Okinawa.
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Reverse Design: An excerpt from The Tale of Genji (Genji Monogatari) featuring a scene from Chapter 38 ("Suzumushi"), alongside a portrait of author Murasaki Shikibu in the lower right corner.
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Cert Highlights: Initial single-letter prefix issue, pristine original paper body (EPQ), sharp corners, and excellent centering.
