M21 (1888) Japan 10 Sen, certified by NGC and graded AU 50 (About Uncirculated). This attractive silver coin was struck during the Meiji era, a transformative period in Japanese history when the country rapidly modernized its government, economy, industry, and monetary system.
Dated Meiji 21 (1888), this 10 Sen is part of Japan's early modern coinage following the establishment of the modern yen-based monetary system. The design features the detailed Japanese dragon motif characteristic of Meiji silver coinage, along with traditional Japanese inscriptions and denomination markings.
The coin remains in About Uncirculated condition, retaining strong design detail with only limited evidence of circulation. Its NGC certification provides additional confidence in its authenticity and grade.
This example is particularly notable for its very small NGC population at the AU 50 grade. According to the provided population data, only 2 examples have been graded AU 50, with 57 examples graded higher.
Coin Details:
- Country: Japan
- Era: Meiji
- Year: Meiji 21 (1888)
- Denomination: 10 Sen
- Composition: Silver
- Grade: NGC AU 50
- NGC Population in AU 50: 2
- Higher Grades: 57
Historical Background
The Meiji era (1868–1912) was a defining period in Japanese history. Following the end of the Tokugawa shogunate, Japan embarked on an extraordinary period of modernization and adopted many aspects of Western technology, industry, military organization, and economic institutions.
Japan's modern yen currency system was introduced during this transformation, and silver denominations such as the 10 Sen became an important part of everyday commerce. Coins from this period document Japan's transition from traditional feudal society to a modern industrial nation.
The dragon featured on Meiji silver coins is particularly recognizable to collectors and reflects the artistic traditions incorporated into Japan's early modern coinage. An 1888 example is therefore both a collectible piece of Japanese numismatic history and a tangible artifact from a pivotal era.
With an NGC AU 50 grade and a population of only 2 at this grade, this coin offers an appealing combination of historical importance, condition, and certified rarity for collectors of Japanese and world coinage.
