Japan 5 Sen — Taishō Year 9 (1920), Small Size — NGC AU 55
A handsome 1920 Japan 5 Sen, dated Taishō Year 9, from the reign of Emperor Taishō. This coin belongs to the small-size 5 Sen series issued during a period of significant economic and industrial development in Japan.
The 5 Sen was an important everyday denomination, equal to 1/20 of a yen. The coin features the distinctive Japanese design of a central hole surrounded by a decorative Seigaiha (wave) pattern, with a floral cartouche around the opening. The reverse displays the Imperial chrysanthemum crest above the denomination “Five Sen,” with decorative paulownia flowers below. The combination of the central hole and traditional Japanese motifs gives this series a particularly distinctive appearance.
The 1920 issue is especially interesting because Taishō Year 9 was the transition year in which both large-size and reduced-size 5 Sen coins were produced. The small-size version measures approximately 19.1 mm and weighs about 2.63 grams, and was struck in copper-nickel. Approximately 100.46 million small-size examples were produced in 1920.
This particular example is certified by NGC as AU 55 (About Uncirculated), indicating a well-preserved coin with only light evidence of circulation while retaining considerable original detail and mint-state character.
According to the NGC population information provided, only 1 example is graded AU 55, with 39 examples graded higher. This gives the coin an especially interesting position within the NGC-certified population.
A wonderful example of early 20th-century Japanese coinage, this 1920 Taishō 5 Sen combines a distinctive traditional design, an important transitional year, and a strong AU 55 grade. It would make an attractive addition to a collection of Japanese, Taishō-era, or world coinage.
