Japan 1/2 Sen — Meiji Year 15 (1882), NGC XF 45 BN
An attractive and historically significant 1882 Japan 1/2 Sen, struck during the reign of Emperor Meiji as Japan underwent its rapid transformation into a modern industrial nation. The coin dates to Meiji Year 15, or 1882, and belongs to Japan's early modern decimal coinage system established during the Meiji era.
The 1/2 sen was a small-denomination copper coin used for everyday commerce. Under Japan's new monetary system, 100 sen equaled 1 yen, making the 1/2 sen equal to 1/200 of a yen. The denomination was part of the Western-style coinage introduced as Japan modernized its financial and monetary institutions in the late 19th century.
The design is particularly distinctive. The obverse features an entwined dragon surrounded by a beaded border, together with the Japanese inscription identifying Great Japan, the Meiji year, and the denomination “1/2 SEN.” The reverse displays the Imperial Chrysanthemum emblem, surrounded by decorative paulownia and chrysanthemum branches, with the denomination and the statement that 200 half-sen pieces equaled one yen.
The 1882 issue was struck in substantial numbers, with approximately 26.46 million pieces produced, making surviving examples an accessible reminder of Japan's Meiji-era monetary reforms.
This example is certified by NGC as XF 45 BN (Extremely Fine, Brown). It retains considerable original detail despite its circulation, with attractive brown coloration characteristic of an aged copper/bronze coin.
According to the NGC census information provided, only 5 examples are graded XF 45 BN, with 38 examples graded higher, making this a noteworthy certified example for collectors of Japanese Meiji coinage.
A fascinating piece of 19th-century Japanese history, this 1/2 sen represents the country's transition from traditional monetary practices toward the modern yen-based system that remains the foundation of Japanese currency today.
